Amidst a wave of uncertainty over injuries, Arsenal have been handed a boost as Thomas Partey is available for selection against Manchester City tomorrow.
The midfielder has been absent since August with injury, but returned to the bench as an unused substitute in Tuesday’s defeat to RC Lens.
Partey’s lack of minutes in the game may have suggested that he was not yet ready to play, but Mikel Arteta has now confirmed that the 30-year-old will be part of the team for Sunday’s huge clash with Man City.
Bukayo Saka’s fitness is still uncertain, whilst Gabriel Martinelli looks set to miss out again, but Arsenal will welcome back a crucial player for the visit of Pep Guardiola’s side.
Arteta confirms Partey fitness
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that Partey, who was initially likely to miss this game, has recovered earlier than expected, but Arsenal going 2-1 down to Lens meant more attacking substitutes were required, preventing him from making his return in midweek.
“He’s ahead of schedule that’s for sure,” Arteta stated.
“We wanted to have him in the squad if we needed to, the way the game panned out we had other necessities and we didn’t use him. He will be in the squad tomorrow.”
Should Partey start against Manchester City?
The only doubts about whether Partey should start are fitness-related, as Arteta may not want to rush him back from injury, with the Ghana international now lacking in match sharpness.
If the club deems him fit to start, Arteta can make a crucial change to his midfield, with the disappointing Kai Havertz either dropping out or moving away from his role as an advanced central midfielder, Declan Rice moving forward to occupy that role and Partey returning to his natural defensive midfield role.
Rice described Partey as “incredible,” but the only time the pair have lined up in midfield together was in the Community Shield draw with Man City.
Partey started the season as an inverted right-back before his injury, but given the nature of the opponents, he could be very useful in building a midfield that could allow Arsenal to control the game and remain physically resolute. If Partey isn’t fit enough, then Arteta could be tempted to turn to Jorginho instead.
With Rodri missing for Man City, Partey’s return may have come at the perfect time, with the combination of him and Rice potentially being one that can help win the game.
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