Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hopes to see Thomas Partey back in weeks rather than months after the midfielder underwent a procedure for a “significant” thigh injury.

Partey has only made four Premier League appearances this season and has been out of action since coming on as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win over Manchester City a month ago.

The 30-year-old picked up the injury in training before Arsenal’s Champions League away game against Sevilla, and Arteta said, “He is progressing really well but it was a significant injury.”

“I said that hopefully it’s going to be weeks and not months and he’s working towards that. He needs support. Hopefully the injury will heal in the right way and we’ll have him back because he is a big player for us,” Arteta added.

Arteta also confirmed that Emile Smith Rowe will miss the Burnley game as he continues his recovery from a knee problem, while several others including Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, and Eddie Nketiah are racing to be fit for the game.

Nketiah’s prospects look bright after he was pictured in training on Friday following Arteta’s press conference.

Regarding Saka’s injury, Arteta said, “We want our players to play for the club and their national teams. [Saka] had to leave the pitch (against Sevilla) because he was in quite a lot of pain. He didn’t train yesterday. Let’s see if he can make it tomorrow.”

On captain Martin Odegaard, Arteta said, “He’s still racing against the clock. He is trying everything that he can. Let’s see. It’s a possibility.”

‘Ramsdale still has important role’

Arteta was also asked about goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and urged him not to rush into a decision on his future, stating, “Aaron has a really important role in the team.” Arteta added, “I can talk about my players, how much I like my players, how much I like Aaron, and that we want Aaron with us, that’s for sure.”

“We will always try to do our best to help [the players], but this is a team sport that needs 24 players that you have to fulfill a role,” Arteta said. “And the role that you have in August, it might be very different to the one you have in March.”

Regarding potential interest from other clubs in signing Ramsdale, Arteta added, “I have no message for any clubs.”