Thomas Partey has told Football London that he has only been at 100% for a ‘few games’ for Arsenal this season.
The two games the 27-year-old reeled off was Arsenal’s win at Manchester United earlier on in the campaign and their most recent, and controversial, encounter against Wolves.
Prior to Partey stepping foot into North London, his fitness and injury record at Atletico Madrid was very strong.
But it’s been stop-start from the number six ever since he put on the Arsenal shirt, which does worry the fans because they want to see him at full speed.
Nonetheless, Partey admitted that he needs to be ‘more fit’ and he shared that he is trying to get back to the level of performance he produced at Old Trafford earlier on in the season.
On how he feels: “Yes, it was a difficult moment to get used to how the team play and I think the injuries are part of the adaptation and now I feel good,” said Partey.
“I’m doing all the necessary ways to be able to be more fit and to be able to play more games.
On whether fans have seen 100% Partey: “Yeah, I had a few games. I think against United at their home and against Wolves also I was able to show what I can do.
“Due to less games and less training I have to keep working and I have to keep trying to get back to that level of performance.”
Arsenal fans have been craving for a player in the mould of Partey for years, and the high expectations are being matched with what they are seeing on the field of play.
But he’s not out on the pitch enough in order to make a serious impact on this Arsenal side that has had more hits than an Anthony Joshua opponent this season.
These coming days – Europa League knockout matches and Tottenham showdown – will just show how Mikel Arteta’s side will react to being knocked down to the canvas time and time again because, one more big hit, then it’s lights out.
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