Partey returns to full training

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has returned to full training ahead of the second leg of the Gunners’ Europa League Round of 32 clash with Benfica in Athens on Thursday, according to football.london. 

The Ghana international has missed the North London side’s last three games in all competitions due to an injury sustained in the club’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League at the start of February.

He was spotted in training on Saturday ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Manchester City but he appeared to be involved in his own individual session. As expected, he was left out of the matchday squad for the game against Pep Guardiola’s side which ended 1-0 in favour to the Citizens courtesy of a Raheem Sterling strike.

The Ghanaian midfielder is ramping up his return to fitness and the fact that he took part in Tuesday’s training session with the rest of the squad will come as a huge boost to Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard could call upon the former Atletico Madrid midfielder as he looks to steer his side to the Round of 16 of the Europa League at Benfica’s expense. The North London side’s tie with the Portuguese club is finely poised after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in Rome last week.

The Gunners have the crucial away goal and will go through as long as they either win the second leg or secure a 0-0 draw in Athens. 

In a clip uploaded to Arsenal’s official website, Partey can be seen going through a light jog with Granit Xhaka at the start of Tuesday’s training session before doing some work with the ball. 

One player who was missing from training was Rob Holding. The Englishman was substituted in the 1-0 defeat to City last Sunday and assessed for a potential concussion. As per the new protocols, the former Bolton Wanderers defender will undergo further concussion tests this week.

He will be rested until he has passed a series of tests and is deemed fit to play.