Arsenal take on Newcastle United in the FA Cup at the Emirates on Saturday and midfielder Thomas Partey along with centre-back Gabriel will return to the match-day squad.
Updating about Gabriel, the club wrote in their official website: “Gabriel previously tested positive for COVID-19. He is feeling well and is showing no signs of illness.
“Only on the successful completion of the necessary protocols and medical checks in the coming days will Gabriel be able to return to full training with the squad.”
About Thomas Partey they said: “Thomas is now back in full training with the squad after recovering from an injury to his left thigh.
“Thomas will continue to work hard to establish match fitness after being out of action for a month. He will be assessed regarding his availability ahead of Saturday’s match.”
Gabriel wasn’t too badly missed since Mikel Arteta has plenty of backups in defence but now that he’s fully fit, the summer signing is likely to start at centre-back vs the Magpies.
The return of Thomas, on the other hand, is a huge boost for the Arsenal boss as they have looked really shaky in the middle of the park ever since the former Atletico man picked up that injury.
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Many pundits think Thomas Partey might not start on Saturday but with Steve Bruce likely to rest some of his key players, this is the perfect opportunity for the defensive midfielder to make a comeback into the side.
So, Thomas Partey more or less certain to start in the FA Cup clash but we doubt if Arteta will keep him on the pitch for more than 60-65 minutes.
