Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal’s official website that he thinks Thomas Partey will be ready for Thursday, but isn’t sure whether Gabriel will play.
Partey and Gabriel have both been suffering with illness lately, but the Arsenal duo are now able to return against Crystal Palace.
Partey’s comeback, in particular, is great news for the Gunners, as he should improve the quality in their midfield ranks.
And Arteta has suggested that the Ghanaian should be fit and ready for Thursday’s game now.
Gabriel has also recovered, but Arteta says that he will have to prove his fitness when he returns to training sessions over the next couple of days.
“He [Gabriel] tested positive and had very mild symptoms, so he’s missed a few weeks of training because he had to be isolated,” Arteta said.
“It’s better now and we expect him to be training with us in the next couple of days and then make an assessment on whether we can have him or not on Thursday.
“Thomas has been in full training for the last four or five days, he’s completely asymptomatic. It would be a little bit rushed to try and play him against Newcastle but I think he will be ready for Thursday.”
Arsenal will be keen not to rush Partey back to fitness again, like they did last time he recovered from injury.
There is an expectation that the former Atletico Madrid man will go straight into their starting line-up when he is fully fit though, such is the quality that he possesses.
Gabriel has also impressed since his arrival at Arsenal in the summer, but his place as a starter looks less certain now.
During his time out Pablo Mari has excelled at the back, and his partnership with Rob Holding has looked very solid so far.
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