Mikel Arteta has expressed his joy at the return of Thomas Partey to training after the Ghanaian midfielder’s month-long thigh injury layoff.
Partey is now in contention for the upcoming match against Lens and may feature to regain match fitness ahead of a crucial clash against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Despite Arsenal’s impressive run of five wins and one draw in the six matches that Partey missed, his return provides Arteta with valuable squad depth, particularly during this demanding phase of the season.
Arteta remarked, “He’s progressed really well in the last two weeks and he managed to train in the last two or three days with the team and that’s great news for us obviously”
The Arsenal manager continued, “I think his progression in the last week has been very good. He might have some exposure tomorrow depending how the game goes”
He also emphasized Partey’s significance, stating, “He’s a big player and we know what he brings to the team. He knows exactly what we need and with the injuries we had to other players in midfield and at the back he complements us in a great way and gives us options. So it’s great to have him back again.”
