According to Football London, Arsenal could be able to call upon Thomas Partey once again in just seven days.
Mikel Arteta hasn’t been able to pick the Ghana international since the north London derby on December 6th.
Partey had to be withdrawn at half-time during the defeat to Tottenham, and is unavailable for the clash against West Brom later today.
However, Football London say that Arsenal’s medical team have pencilled the 27-year-old in for a potential return against Newcastle on January 9th.
Now, this is very encouraging news.
If the Gunners can get a third successive win against the Baggies later, then it’s the ideal situation for Partey to step back into.
Arteta finally seems to have got Arsenal playing a bit more fluently in attack.
The likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have contributed massively to that with their energy and youthful enthusiasm.
In that respect, sticking a dominant, defensive presence such as Partey behind this more cohesive looking attack could, and should, make Arsenal even better.
The £250,000-a-week powerhouse wouldn’t need to do multiple jobs at once.
He would only be required to screen the backline, win the ball back and hand it to the attackers, whereas previously, he would’ve often needed to inspire attacks as well.
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