Partey to return to training today and could feature in the North London derby

Thomas Partey will return to training today and could feature for Arsenal in the North London derby if he is passed fit. 

The Ghanaian midfielder picked up a thigh injury in Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League in November and has missed the last four games in all competitions. His injury was initially believed to be a minor problem but has caused him to remain on the sidelines for the better part of a month. 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that the 27 year old is putting pressure on the North London club’s staff and is very keen on proving his fitness and playing against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend in what will be his first North London derby. Arteta said:

“Well, he is putting a lot of pressure on us! He is training tomorrow with us, and let’s see how it goes in the next few days.”

The former Atletico Madrid midfielder has made five appearances in all competitions for the Gunners since moving to the Emirates on deadline day in a £45 million deal. He has already had a tremendous impact on this Arsenal side and put in an imperious performance in the club’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford last month. Partey will provide the North London club with a major boost if passed fit for the derby on Sunday.