Thomas Partey: Player Arsenal can’t afford to be without against Tottenham – Alan Smith

Arsenal legend Alan Smith believes the presence of Thomas Partey could determine the outcome of Saturday’s north London derby.

The Gunners have enjoyed an impressive start to the new campaign and can solidify their place at the top of the table with a win over their fiercest rivals at Emirates Stadium.

Spurs, however, have started in equally eye-catching fashion and a rare win in N17 would lift them above Arsenal and potentially to the summit, depending on the outcome of the Manchester derby 24 hours later.

Partey has missed half of his side’s matches this season but made his latest comeback in the 3-0 win over Brentford prior to the international break.

The former Atletico Madrid star suffered another injury scare while with Ghana last week but Arsenal are optimistic he will be fit enough to feature this weekend and Smith believes he could tip the balance in favour of his old side.

He told Sky Sports: ‘Partey is a big concern. He is so important to that Arsenal team and to that midfield.

‘We saw without him against Manchester United there were big holes in that midfield that allowed Fernandes to put those balls through.

‘I don’t think that would have happened with Partey in the team and you don’t want to be reliant on one player quite to this extent, he is so important.

‘Mo Elneny is out for a period of time so they are short in midfield. They need Partey in there and that could tip the balance. With him they are so much more of a solid side able to support that talented attack.’

Arsenal will, however, definitely be without Emile Smith Rowe who underwent groin surgery this week and is out until December.

A club statement read: ‘Following a significant setback at our Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 4, and after further specialist consultations and discussions with our medical team, Emile underwent surgery to repair a damaged tendon in his groin.

‘This successful surgery took place in London in the past few days and Emile’s rehabilitation programme is already underway. We are hopeful that Emile will return to full training in December.

‘Everyone at the club will now be supporting and working hard with Emile to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.’

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