Partey travels with Arsenal squad to Athens for Europa League clash with Benfica

Thomas Partey has travelled to Athens with the Arsenal squad for the second leg of their Europa League Round of 32 clash with Benfica, according to Chris Wheatley of football.london.

The Ghana international has missed the North London side’s last three games in all competitions due to a muscular injury he picked up in the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League at the start of the month.

The 27-year-old has taken part in one full training session ahead of his side’s crucial tie with the Portuguese side. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Rome but the Gunners got the crucial away goal. They will be the ‘home’ team in Athens this Thursday and will secure a spot in the Round of 16 as long as they win the game or play out a goalless draw.

Partey has had an injury-hit debut season in North London but has been hugely impressive whenever he has featured for Arsenal. Manager Mikel Arteta will hope to have him fit for the remainder of the season and as long he is in good condition, the Spaniard has confirmed that will be available for selection against Benfica in what is arguably the Gunners’ most important game of the season.