Arsenal take on Benfica in the Europa League Round of 32 this week and there’s an outside chance that Thomas Partey could feature in the starting line-up.
Rob Holding picked up a head injury during Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the weekend and the centre-back has been ruled out of Thursday’s game.
But Thomas Partey has been recovering well from his hamstring injury and according to manager Mikel Arteta, the midfielder could be in line to face Benfica.
“Thomas is very close,” Mikel Arteta said, as per the club’s official website.
“He’s got a final test today in training. If he’s feeling good, he will be available to play the match.
“Regarding Rob, he’s not available. He had a concussion, we tested him and he’s completely fine but obviously now we need to follow the protocols and he won’t be able to travel.”
Rob Holding will not be badly missed by Arsenal since Arteta has players like Pablo Mari and Gabriel as backup. And this possible return of Thomas Partey is an added boost for the Gunners manager.
The summer signing has played very little football this season for Arsenal due to all the injury troubles but whenever he’s started, the Gunners have looked much more rigid in the centre of the pitch.
If Thomas Partey is deemed fully fit then he will start in defensive midfield alongside Granit Xhaka but if he is not available then someone like Dani Ceballos will partner the Swiss international.
Elneny is another option who can play in that role but he started against Man City and we doubt if Arteta will be ready to hand him another start in such a short span of time.
