Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Thomas Partey will be “back for the weekend”.
Speaking to the Gunners media team, he said the 29-year-old is fine after his injury scare in midweek.
Partey has been crucial for Arsenal but has also found himself on the sidelines on a number of occasions this term.
This was the case while he was on international duty over the past week.
Partey was an unused substitute during Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification clash against Angola on Monday.
After the game, Black Stars manager Chris Hughton said, via football.london: “Thomas has some small issues.
“We felt it was too big of a risk to start him [against Angola].”
Partey joined up with the Ghana team alongside Simon Murphy, Arsenal’s lead performance physiotherapist.
Arteta, speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Leeds, talked about the arrangement.
“It’s something we’ve done in the past,” he told the Arsenal media team.
“We have a really good relationship with the Ghanaian federation, and we have to manage and look after our players.
“They’ve been really positive about it as well, we tried to help as much as possible – I think it works both ways.
“Obviously, he wasn’t fit enough to play in the second game but hopefully he’s going to be back for the weekend.”
Outstanding news
Great news from the Arsenal boss ahead of another crucial match.
Partey has been absolutely outstanding this season, often making the difference for the Gunners in games.
The midfielder’s efforts have contributed to Arsenal building up a healthy lead at the top of the table.
With just 10 games remaining this season, Arsenal fans, staff and players would’ve all been hoping Partey remains fit.
Based on Arteta’s comments, they’ve got their wish. Hopefully he stays fit until – and past – the end of the season.
The stakes have not been as high for Arsenal as they are this term. A first title since 2004 is within reach.
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