Arsenal sent update as another player withdraws from international duty alongside Kai Havertz

The physical-demanding start has taken its toll on players, and Arsenal’s crowded treatment room tells a story of its own. As mentioned we saw Havertz withdraw from international duty this week due to ‘knee concerns’ despite the fact he played a full 90 minutes in the win over Southampton on Saturday.

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Another player has now withdrawn from international duty, with Thomas Partey the latest. The Ghana football association said in a statement: “Thomas is unable to join the Black stars due to medical issues he is currently experiencing, and his club has scheduled him for further tests in the coming days.”

Partey has been a key player for Arsenal this season, putting in some of his best performances in a Gunners shirt, largely operating in midfield. Though, he has also played at full-back, playing at right-back on Saturday due to Ben White and Jurrien Timber both missing out through injury. A midfield spot might be harder for him to grad going forward due to Mikel Merino’s return from injury, but his versatility makes him an asset, and in a long season where injuries will inevitably happen, he should still get plenty of opportunities.

He won’t play for his nation during this break, though, and the good news for Arsenal is that he has not withdrawn from injury. That’s according to reporter Charles Watts, who says Partey has withdrawn through illness, choosing not to risk worsening symptoms with long-haul travel across continents. Instead, he will spend time at home to get better before returning to base either at the end of this week or early next week.