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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that midfielder Thomas Partey is on course to make his return from injury ahead of the original schedule.
Partey started the Gunners' first two Premier League games and was substituted after 56 minutes in their third: a 2-2 draw at Fulham on August 26. He has not featured for since then due to a groin injury but did make the bench for their 2-1 UEFA Champions League defeat at Lens in midweek.
Arteta has indicated that Partey has made the squad for their league fixture against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday (October 8). At his pre-match press conference, the Arsenal manager said about the Ghanaian (as quoted by football.london)
"He is ahead of schedule. We wanted to have him in the squad. We couldn’t play him on Tuesday because we had a lot of necessities."
The original timeline for Partey's return reportedly suggested that he would be back only in mid-October (via football.london). In his absence, the Gunners have largely used Declan Rice as the holding midfielder, with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz ahead of him.
Partey has notably struggled with injuries to his hip, hamstring, ankle, thigh and groin since arriving at the Emirates in 2020. He played only 59 games during his first two seasons with Arsenal but managed 40 appearances across competitions last campaign..
Arsenal handed another injury boost as Mikel Arteta provides update on Bukayo Saka fitness
Many of the Gunners faithful have been eager to see Thomas Partey back in action, as his presence allows their other midfielders more freedom. However, while he returned to the bench against Lens, Arsenal had to contend with another injury concern.
Star winger Bukayo Saka hobbled off in the 34th minute, with fans criticising Arteta for starting him. While many doubted that Saka would be fit for the weekend clash against Manchester City, Arteta has said that Saka is in contention to feature.
He said during the aforementioned pre-match press conference (as quoted by football.london):
"Well he is in contention. Let’s see how he progresses from here to Sunday. He had to leave the pitch. That’s never good news, but let’s see how he recovers."
With Gabriel Martinelli set to miss the game on Sunday due to injury, Saka's presence out wide could be vital for Arsenal. The Englishman has five goals and as many assists in 10 games across competitions this term.
