Arteta boost before Man City clash as Arsenal star rejects late international call-up

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Thomas Partey has reportedly rejected a call-up for Ghana for the March international break to stay with Arsenal to regain fitness.

The 30-year-old midfielder has only just returned to action for the Gunners after missing essentially the entire season due to a series of injury problems, with Partey now back to full health.

With only Gabriel Martinelli and Jurrien Timber out injured for Arsenal but closing in on returns, the north London side have never looked stronger heading into the Premier League run-in.

Thomas Partey rejects Ghana call-up to focus on Arsenal

And according to journalist Charles Watts, Partey has turned down the chance to go out on international duty with Ghana to remain at Arsenal, where the £45m midfielder wants to work on his fitness.

Given how much football Partey has missed this season, it makes sense why the midfielder has now opted to remain with Arsenal rather than heading out on international duty with Ghana.

Indeed, the former Atletico Madrid star would be thrust into the starting XI and could have risked aggravating injuries that have plagued Partey all season long.

And the decision to remain with Arsenal heading into the massive Premier League clash against Manchester City is wise from Partey, who could play a part for the Gunners this season.

Mikel Arteta will hope Arsenal can avoid international injuries

The international break is always a nervy time for Arsenal supporters, especially the March window when most players called-up will taking part in pointless friendlies which might involve thousands of miles of travel.

Which is why Mikel Arteta will be hopeful that the likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard can avoid injury this month, with Arsenal in too good a position to lose a key player through this international break.

Indeed, Partey’s decision to reject Ghana’s call-up to remain at Arsenal is a commendable one, and more Gooners could have followed the midfielder’s lead in putting the club first over country.