Arsenal have had to face a number of injury problems within the squad this season, but they were able to welcome back Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey before the International break.
Both players came on as substitutes in the victory over Manchester City, and both played important roles in the winning goal.
Partey had been absent since August with a groin injury, which saw him miss six games, whilst Martinelli missed a few weeks of action with a hamstring issue he picked up against Everton.
The International break saw Partey play for Ghana, and fears over a potential further injury have now been eased.
Partey’s productive break
Partey started in both of Ghana’s matches against Mexico and the USA, but whilst the results did not go in his side’s favour, with two defeats, the midfielder gained a lot from this break.
The 30-year-old played for 45 minutes against Mexico and 62 minutes against the USA, with manager Chris Hughton previously explaining how his half-time substitution in the first game was planned.
Journalist Harry Symeou has now revealed that Partey’s withdrawal against the USA was another planned one, and highlighted that Partey has now taken a “positive step” towards gaining full match fitness with his two appearances, totalling over 100 minutes of game time.
Partey to start?
These positive signs over the International break could mean Mikel Arteta throws Partey back into the starting XI for Saturday’s trip to face Chelsea.
Partey was previously described as “outstanding” by former midfield star Roy Keane, and he could provide a huge boost to the side if he is able to start at Stamford Bridge.
Former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho did play well as he started against Man City, but given Partey’s superior physicality, he could be more useful at helping stop the home side’s counter-attacks, and he could form a well-balanced midfield trio with Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
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