Here are your Arsenal evening headlines for Friday February 12, 2021.
Leeds injury update
Leeds United could be without Kalvin Phillips against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
The 25-year-old sustained what looked to be a muscle problem midway through the second half of Leeds' win against Crystal Palace on Monday night, but stayed on for most of the match.
However, he was substituted late on after deeming himself unable to carry on, with Leeds fully in control at 2-0.
The England international had been hoping to be back in time to face the Gunners, but Marcelo Bielsa has admitted that the midfielder may not be available.
"There's not a definite position at the moment whether he'll be able to play or not," Bielsa told reporters.
Leeds could instead turn to defender Pascal Struijk, who has filled in so far this season when Phillips has been absent.
How Thomas Partey has reacted to latest injury setback
Mikel Arteta has revealed that Thomas Partey is "devastated" about his latest injury setback which looks set to sideline him for up to two weeks.
The midfielder limped off during Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend and football.london understands that he is likely to miss both of the Gunners' Europa League ties against Benfica as well as this weekend's match with a hamstring injury.
This is yet another injury setback for Partey who has had a stop-start beginning to his Arsenal career since arriving from Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day in October.
And Arteta has revealed how the Ghana international reacted to his latest injury setback.
"He was devastated," said Arteta. "We were all devastated because we know the importance of Thomas. We haven't had him since we signed him for 3 consecutive games. It's a big blow for us but he's adapting to the league.
"He's been very unlucky and he's been very frustrated because he's a really competitive guy who wants to feel important and be important for the team. At the moment the injuries are restricting a lot of game time for him."
Willock to make transfer decision
Joe Willock has revealed when he will make a decision about his long-term future.
The 21-year-old made a goalscoring start to life on loan at Newcastle United and plans to decide on whether he will return to Arsenal once his temporary spell ends.
"When I decided to come here I had a sense of peace, I didn’t ever feel like it was going to be the wrong one (decision). When I came here, everyone was so welcoming," he told reporters.
"I’m trying to focus on what I have to do now, focus on Newcastle United. I’m not really looking at Arsenal at the moment.
"I’m here to prove to Newcastle United that I can play every week and affect the games and win games for them.
"I’m not really looking at Arsenal, when that time comes for me to make a decision to go back or not that will come but right now, I’m focused on Newcastle and I’m loving every minute that I’m here."
