Mikel Arteta opted not to divulge any information on the ‘private’ reason Alexandre Lacazette was absent from Arsenal training.
The 30-year-old featured in last weekend’s defeat to Brighton, and isn’t known to have picked up an injury.
But Lacazette was missing from training earlier this week ahead of Arsenal’s clash away at Southampton on Saturday.
When asked why the striker was absent, Arteta said: ‘There are private reasons that I can’t comment on but I have no other team news apart from the guys we discussed.’
Pressed on the situation with Lacazette, the Spanish boss added: ‘We will see if he’s available. It’s a good possibility that that’s the case.’
Arteta was also quizzed on the extent of the injury Thomas Partey picked up in the recent defeat to Crystal Palace.
The midfielder was initially thought to be facing weeks on the sidelines, but the Gunners manager is less positive now.
‘The news we’ve got after another assessment is not great,’ Arteta added.
‘It’s not looking positive for his availably this season but we will have to wait and see. He wants to get back ASAP but atm it’s not looking positive.’
Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from that costly loss to Brighton when they face Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side at St Mary’s.
Arteta’s side have slipped three points behind their north London rivals Tottenham, who currently occupy fourth spot.
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