Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to undergo an MRI scan on a rib injury sustained in Friday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.
The Ghana international lined up alongside regular engine room partner Granit Xhaka at the Etihad Stadium, but he only lasted until half time before being replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Prior to his withdrawal, Partey was seen receiving treatment to his abdominal area, and Arsenal ended up losing 1-0 in the fourth round courtesy of a second-half Nathan Ake goal.
The former Atletico Madrid man consistently struggled to stay fit in his first two seasons at Arsenal, but he has established himself as a vital player for the Gunners in their remarkable start to the 2022-23 campaign.
However, Mikel Arteta confirmed after Friday's game that Partey could not continue after suffering a whack to the ribs, and he will undergo further assessment this week to learn the extent of the damage.
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"He felt something and we didn't want to take any risks, so he could not continue. He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse, so he could not continue," Arteta told the press.
"He wasn't comfortable to continue. Obviously tomorrow, the day after he will have to have an MRI scan and see what he has."
Partey has two goals to show from 21 games in an Arsenal shirt in the 2022-23 season, scoring long-range efforts against Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old's injury is a second midfield blow to Arsenal in a matter of weeks, with Mohamed Elneny allegedly at risk of missing the rest of the season with a knee problem.
Xhaka and Lokonga are Arteta's only other midfield options - alongside Under-21s captain Matt Smith - and the Gunners boss has confirmed that he wants to bring in a new engine room enforcer before Tuesday's January transfer deadline.
Arsenal are understood to have submitted a bid of £60m to sign Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo, although the Seagulls - who are holding out for a sum of £100m - rejected the offer.
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However, the 21-year-old publicly revealed his desire to leave Brighton on social media on Friday, writing: "I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
"I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.
"I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
"The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity."
Arteta was asked about Caicedo's post by the press on Friday, but he had little to say on the rumours linking his side with the Ecuador international, responding: "You know that I am not going to comment on any players until anything is done, and I will continue like that."
Arsenal will seek an immediate return to winning ways when they resume Premier League duties away to relegation-threatened Everton on February 4.
Ben Knapton
