Mikel Arteta says Thomas Partey could be available for Saturday’s trip to Leicester having missed the last two matches with a thigh problem.
While the Ghanaian is still feeling his way back to full fitness, it sounds like he’ll be participating in full training today. If all goes well, he’ll then make the trip to the Midlands as the Gunners look to open up a five-point gap on Manchester City.
“Not a lot of changes,” said Arteta when asked about team news for the weekend.
“Obviously there’s a question mark about Thomas [Partey], he hasn’t trained much but it looks like he could be available. Let’s see how he trains today.
“He’s a really important player for us that we missed in the last few games but hopefully he can be available.”
If there are any doubts about Partey’s ability to compete in midfield, it’s fairly likely that Jorginho will continue to deputies. In addition to helping Arsenal to a win when his stoppage-time strike found the net off Emi Martinez, the January signing produced a very accomplished all-round performance at Villa Park.
Arteta was also asked for an update on Gabriel Jesus. It had been hoped the Brazilian would be back in action by the end of February but it sounds like he’s still got work to do, despite making good progress in his rehab from knee surgery.
“He’s progressing really well,” said the manager, “he’s doing more and more on the field, the knee is not reacting so it’s really positive.
“We want to have him as quick as possible but respecting as well the timeframe that we got from the doctors and the specialists but he’s really pushing the boundaries right now.”
I’ve gone from, “please not Jorginho”, to
“no Thomas, it’s ok, we’ve got Jorginho”.
It feels great being wrong.
Big 6 points needed tomorrow and Wednesday
Tomorrow we could have Trossard, ESR, Jorginho, Fabio, Tomiyasu and Tierney on the bench. Six players I would have full confidence in coming on and maintaining the standards of the first XI.
And when Jesus comes back we’ll have Eddie on it too.
I’ve got to say, with everyone fit, this squad is starting to look so strong.
Looking forward to tomorrow.
COYG!!!
Depth, finally.
The Smith. I think some have forgotten how good he is. I feel like he’s gotta be a starter again whenever he’s fit and back to his best
He’s a goal scorer and you can always do with another of those as an option, yes like you I was underwhelmed by the signing of Jorginho but he’s looking the business so it’s great to be proved wrong.
Add Rice/ Zubimendi and Caicedo to that list.
Well this is delightful news….happy Friday everyone 🙂
Do you reckon it’s just caution with Jesus or is it one of those injuries that has little knocks when recovering that delays him coming back for a good while?
I think they step up the workload very gradually, and if he feels any pain in his knee they have to stop. Arteta said today there’s no reaction so far, so that’s good news.
I feel as if our away form will be critical, most of the trickiest fixtures left are away from home. Leicester won’t be easy so a win would be a massive result for us, leaving us with a lopsided home-game schedule till the end.
I noticed that some days ago. Can’t remember them all, but Anfield, Etihad and Newcastle will be three tough games. Even Leicester if they play like how they started against utd,
Fulham away as well. Could be tricky but we should be able to get the points. Less anxious about West Ham away this year than in previous years. Forest away late in the season could be tricky unless they are safe.
It’s written in the sands of time it’s our title.