Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is 'optimistic' that he will be fit for the Premier League clash against Leeds United this weekend. The Ghana international was absent from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola earlier this week after he was left out as a 'precaution'.
Partey's absence from the game was not thought to be serious, but Arteta is now facing yet another injury concern after losing Takehiro Tomiyasu for the rest of the season. The Japanese defender was substituted against Sporting CP with a knee injury before undergoing surgery to correct the problem.
In his post-match interview, Ghana manager Hughton said: "Thomas [Partey] has some small issues. We felt it was too big of a risk to start him [against Angola]."
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A report from the Evening Standard states that Partey is optimistic about his chances of featuring for the Gunners against Leeds on Saturday afternoon. The full Arsenal squad are due back at London Colney today (Thursday) for training after individual players’ returns were staggered following the international break.
Partey travelled on international duty with Arsenal’s lead performance physio, Simon Murphy, and will be assessed over the coming days ahead of the return to Premier League action against Leeds. Players who didn’t travel away with their countries had some time off and took part in some smaller sessions.
However, William Saliba is still a fitness doubt ahead of the game against Javi Gracia's side after pulling out of the France squad with a back injury. The Frenchman missed the win against Crystal Palace prior to the international break, which saw Arsenal move eight points clear at the top of the table.
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