Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has discussed the injury problems affecting Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of their Premier League fixture against Burnley on Saturday.

The Black Star picked an injury in training ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League away fixture against Sevilla on October 24 and he has gone ahead to miss four straight matches – a 5-0 league victory against Sheffield United, a 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat against West Ham United, 1-0 league defeat against Newcastle United and the 2-0 victory against Sevilla in the second fixture.

Asked if Partey’s procedure will impact the amount of time he will be out of action, Arteta said: “No, hopefully not. He’s progressing really well but it was a significant injury. Hopefully, it’s going to be weeks and not months and he’s working towards that. He needs support and hopefully, the injury will heal in the right way and we’ll have him back because he’s a big player for us.”

On whether he will be available for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for January in Cameroon, Arteta responded: “That’s part number two. Let’s get him quick and healthy as quickly as possible and play a big part in the team, which I think that he can do.”