Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hinted that Thomas Partey will start on the substitutes bench once again when the Gunners face Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. The 29-year-old missed the defeat against Manchester City and win against Aston Villa after suffering a muscle injury.
Partey returned to the matchday squad for the 1-0 win against Leicester City at the weekend, coming off the bench in the 84th minute as he looks to regain match fitness. The Ghana international's absence has been eased by Jorginho filling the void in midfield after securing a £12million switch to north London from Chelsea in the January transfer window.
Partey has proven to be a crucial player for Arteta this season in the holding midfield role, allowing Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka to have more influence in attacking phases. Jorginho has performed well in the Ghanaian's absence and looks set to start in midfield once again as Partey continues to build up his fitness following his recent injury.
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Speaking ahead of the clash against the Toffees tomorrow night, Arteta offered an update on Partey's condition and hinted that he will likely start on the bench once again. The Arsenal manager said: "He hasn't trained much.
"He only had one session and he will train again today. He was out for a few weeks and he needs to get the rhythm back."
Partey has only missed five Premier League games this season after suffering a thigh problem back in August which saw him left out of the squad for games against Fulham, Villa and Manchester United. With the return of Europa League action approaching quickly, the Gunners are facing a congested fixture schedule once again and Arteta may not want to risk one of his key players as more demands get placed upon his squad towards the end of the season.
Arsenal are hopeful of having Gabriel Jesus back in the squad before the international break, football.london understands. The Brazilian has been out since November with a knee injury sustained while on international duty at the World Cup, but it looks as though Arteta will be able to welcome Jesus back into the squad before the end of March.
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