The Gunners are eight points clear at the top but could be without one of their most influential players when the Premier League resumes.

Could the international break prove costly for Arsenal and their Premier League title race?

The Gunners entered the break with an eight-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, with their impressive 4-1 victory at home to Crystal Palace increasing their odds of winning the league for the first time since 2004.

However, Mikel Arteta's side, who have played a game extra compared to the Cityzens, are gearing up for a tricky period, with Saka and Co. set to face Liverpool, West Ham, Man City, and Chelsea in their next six fixtures.

And to make things worse, one of their star players suffered an injury scare during the international break, sparking concerns among the Emirates Stadium fan base. To no one's surprise, that man is none other than Thomas Partey.

The Ghanaian midfielder has been one of the best players in his position this season. However, his time in North London has been plagued with injuries and the 29-year-old has picked up another issue after reporting for duty for the Black Stars.

Ghana manager Chris Houghton confirmed this as his star midfielder was left on the bench in Monday's 1-1 draw with Angolo, revealing that the player had an issue and thus could not be risked.

"Thomas has some small injury issues," Houghton said. "We felt it was too big a risk to start him."

However, as revealed by Goal, this isn't related to his recurring hamstring issue. Instead, the former Atletico Madrid ace felt something in his right leg and is now set to return to London Colney to undergo tests.

The Gunners return to action this Saturday with a home clash against Leeds and while the feeling from the player's camp is that he will be fit for the weekend, Arsenal will proceed with caution.

Playing a 31-year-old Jorginho against Javi Gracia's high-octane side might not be ideal but the priority is to have Partey available for the trip to Anfield on April 9.

This time last season, the player suffered a thigh injury and missed the final nine games of the campaign, which contributed to the club's failure to finish in the top four. Due to his track record, fans will be hoping to avoid a repeat.