Arsenal has several injured players returning for next weekend’s north London derby.
Thomas Partey could be available for Arsenal’s north London derby against Tottenham next weekend.
Several first-team players, including captain Martin Odegaard and summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko, are returning from injuries. Odegaard and Zinchenko had calf injuries, but the international break gave them time to recover before facing Spurs.
The Gunners are worried about Partey after he picked up a knock earlier this month and missed Ghana’s latest match. Arteta hopes to avoid another midfield injury before Arsenal’s crucial run of games against Spurs and Liverpool.
Partey’s absence would limit Arteta’s options in a position where the Gunners have already suffered injuries. Albert Sambi Lokonga could replace Partey after filling in for him earlier this season.
Arsenal had three bids for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz rejected on Deadline Day. The Gunners could rekindle their interest in the Brazilian midfielder in January as they look to challenge in all competitions.
Partey’s fitness has been confirmed by a member of the Black Stars’ medical team. A member of the Ghana medical team told journalist George Addo Junior that the 29-year-old was left out as a ‘precaution’
Tweet: “Partey’s exclusion was precautionary, a Black Stars medical team member told me. Partey’s knee hurt, so he was told to withdraw. He’ll play Tuesday.”
This is a welcome boost for the Gunners, who hope their players return fully fit ahead of nine games in October as they fight to stay top of the Premier League and qualify from their Europa League group.
