Partey expected to be fit for Premier League clash with Manchester United

Thomas Partey is expected to be fit for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at the Emirates this Saturday, according to Charles Watts of Goal.

The Ghanaian midfielder limped off the field in the closing stages of the North London side’s 3-1 victory over Southampton at the St. Mary’s stadium on Tuesday and it was feared that he would miss out on the game against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Manager Mikel Arteta admitted in his pre-match press conference that he was unsure if either Emile Smith-Rowe or Partey or would be fit for the game.

Arteta said:

“I don’t know. They had some discomforts in different parts, Thomas and Emile, and we will have to see how they evolve. We still have some days until the game but not long so let’s see how they recover.”

It is understood that Partey has recovered well and sources close to the player are confident that he will be available for this weekend’s game. The former Atletico Madrid midfielder will undergo a final check on Friday and it is expected that he will be declared fit to play. 

This news will come as a huge boost to Arteta. The 27-year-old put in a man-of-the-match performance against the Red Devils in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford earlier this season which saw the Gunners earn a 1-0 win. It was the first time Arsenal beat Manchester United away from home in the Premier League in fourteen years. 

Since signing for Arsenal, Partey has had his fair share of injury problems which have limited his game time for the Gunners. This season, he has made 13 appearances for the North London side in all competitions.

Despite his limited game time, it is evident that the Gunners are a much improved side when the 27-year-old is on the pitch.