Thomas Partey has returned to first-team training ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday. Having missed the past three months of action with an ongoing hamstring injury, his return comes ahead of a pivotal run of fixtures.
With upcoming games against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, Mikel Arteta will be hoping that this signals the end to Partey’s injury concerns. The Ghana International has made just five appearances this season, with his last minutes being in October in a 1-0 win over Manchester City at Emirates Stadium. He had started the first three games of the campaign, operating in an unorthodox inverted right-back role, but missed the next month with a groin injury.
It had been hoped that Partey would be able to return towards the end of 2023, but a series of setbacks have kept him out. He was due to be included in Ghana’s squad for this months Africa Cup of Nations, having made their provisional 55-man squad. However, he was omitted from the final squad having not recovered in time for selection.
His return comes at a critical time for Arsenal, who sit five points off league-leaders Liverpool, who visit the Emirates a week on Sunday. It remains unclear whether Partey has a long-term future at the club, with his current deal expiring in 2025.
His involvement, however, strengthens Mikel Arteta’s hand and Arsenal will be hoping that Partey can remain fit and available for the remainder of the campaign.
