Say it quietly but Thomas Partey is currently enjoying his best run of fitness for Arsenal in recent memory, a timely return to form given his contract is due to expire next year.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal will ultimately offer a contract extension to Partey, who is clearly still at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
The 31-year-old has started every single Premier League game for the Gunners this season and hasn’t received one red card – something Arsenal players may now have to be praised for.
Partey has only sat out of the eleven during the 5-1 EFL Cup win over Bolton Wanderers, a game he wasn’t needed for.
Thomas Partey says William Saliba will be a ‘massive’ loss against Liverpool
However, when speaking to NBC Sports after Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, Partey recognised a teammate who’s importance even goes beyond his own.
Partey was asked about William Saliba’s red card and how much Arsenal will miss the Frenchman when they face Liverpool on Sunday.
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The Arsenal midfielder seemed to suggest that Arteta had already devised a plan, and seemed confident that his teammates could step up even if Saliba has become ‘massive’ for the team – a glowing review of the 23-year-old.
Partey said: “Well I think all the players are working hard as I said and he is a massive player to miss and somebody will have to step up.
“We have good defenders and the coach knows what he’s going to do to help the team and also any player who is there to step in [will] try to give their best.”
Jurrien Timber ready to step into a new role under Mikel Arteta
When considering who might replace Saliba for the top of the table clash on Sunday, many may imagine that Ben White will simply move inside, after all, he was playing as a centre-back before he arrived in N5.
However, Arteta might have a different plan up his sleeve.
Whilst Saliba was recovering from his efforts with France at the Euros during pre-season, Jurrien Timber was playing as right centre-back.
The Dutchman lacks the height of his teammate but is no less authoritative in his duels, an incredibly versatile talent.
And perhaps Arteta will turn to Timber on Sunday after leaving him out against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday.
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