Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that Thomas Partey suffered "a muscular issue" during Saturday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park.

The summer arrival from Atletico Madrid was replaced by Willian in the 74th minute of the contest, which the Gunners lost 1-0 courtesy of a early effort from Ollie Watkins.

The 27-year-old struggled with a thigh problem earlier this season, while he has only completed three Premier League matches for the London club since his arrival.

Arteta has confirmed that Thomas was forced off the field at Villa Park, and the Ghana international will now need to be assessed to determine when he can return to action.

"He had a muscular issue so we had to take him off. He could not carry on playing," Arteta told reporters.

"We will see the extent of the injury. He wasn't feeling well enough to continue playing so we had to take him off."

The midfielder has made 13 appearances for the Gunners since joining the club last October.