Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is "not optimistic" about Thomas Partey's chances of returning from injury before the end of the season.
The Ghana international pulled up with a thigh problem in the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last Monday and subsequently missed the home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend.
Partey has since undergone further assessment on his injury, and Arteta has admitted that the former Atletico Madrid man is unlikely to play again before the campaign is over.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Southampton, Arteta said: "The news we got after having another assessment, they are not great.
"It's not looking positive, his availability this season. We'll have to wait and see, he's trying to get back as quickly as possible but at the moment, we are not very optimistic about it."
Arteta also expects Alexandre Lacazette to be fit for the meeting with Southampton after revealing that the Gunners captain missed training earlier this week due to "private reasons".
Ben Knapton
