Why is Thomas Partey not playing for Arsenal against Aston Villa today, and when could he return?

ARSENAL are again without the services of Thomas Partey this afternoon for the Aston Villa clash.

The Ghana midfielder has been an integral part of the Gunners XI this season, and they have missed him when he’s been absent.

GettyThomas Partey, right, misses out again for Arsenal[/caption]

Jorginho has kept his spot in midfield due to the absence of Partey for the Villa Park clash.

Why is Thomas Partey not playing for Arsenal?

Thomas Partey has a back spasm and is out injured for Arsenal.

This forced him to miss the 3-1 defeat by Manchester City last week.

The result saw City leapfrog Arsenal to the top of the Premier League.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta said about Partey’s injury before the City loss: “It’s what happens in football, players pick up injuries.

“Unfortunately Thomas felt something in his back muscle and he wasn’t available to play.”

GettyThomas Partey has a back injury[/caption]

Partey was assessed before the Villa game, so his injury is not thought to be long-term.

Arteta said: “He probably needs another week.”

This would put him down as an expected return for the match at Leicester next Saturday, February 25.