Mikel Arteta says Pablo Mari is set to miss ‘a few matches’ for Arsenal due to a calf injury picked up in training earlier this week.
The 27-year-old sat out Thursday night’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace, with the club citing his absence as just a ‘precaution’ before kick-off.
However, speaking after the stalemate at the Emirates, Arteta admitted he expects to be without the defender for a few games.
‘He had a calf injury in training [on Wednesday],’ Arteta said. ‘I think he will miss a few matches.’
Mari has been vital in Arsenal’s recent resurgence having formed a solid centre-back partnership with Rob Holding.
The Gunners received better news on Kieran Tierney, who also missed the Palace clash due to muscle tightness in his calf.
The left-back has reportedly avoided suffering a serious injury and is in contention for Arsenal’s next Premier League clash against Newcastle on Monday.
Arteta was also pleased to see summer signings Gabriel and Thomas Partey back after their respective lay-offs.
Gabriel was an unused substitute against Palace, while Partey got a 20-minute run-out in the second half.
‘We’ve got Gabi [Magalhaes] back after COVID, which is good news, we’ve got Thomas back as well,’ he added. ‘Let’s focus on the positives.’
£45million signing Partey has made just six Premier League appearances this season after suffering two separate thigh injuries.
When asked if the Ghana international is now ready to start, Arteta replied: ‘Well he’s made the right step. Obviously he hasn’t played much football in the last four months.
‘He had an injury in exactly the same place he had before when he got injured against Spurs. Now we have the reassurance that he can compete. He did it for 25, 30 minutes.
‘He did it well, he didn’t feel anything so now we’re going to be looking for the next step.’
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