Arsenal will be without Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey for the rest of 2023 after he underwent a specialist procedure for treatment on a thigh injury, reports the Mirror.
The 30-year-old has been wearing a leg brace to try and bolster his recovery, but it remains to be seen exactly when he will return to action following the latest setback.
The Gunners star is also likely to miss the Africa Cup of Nations in January and Arsenal could be forced to bring in a cover in his position during the winter transfer window.
Partey has featured in five games across all competitions in 2023-24, largely playing at right-back.
He has not played since coming off the bench for the final 15 minutes against Manchester City earlier last month.
Partey sustained a knock in training before last month’s Champions League trip to Sevilla, and his frequent injury woes could now force Arsenal into the market.
Manager Mikel Arteta has had to rely on Jorginho alongside Declan Rice in the holding midfield role so far but could do with more depth in the position ahead of the second half of the campaign.