Arsenal handed big injury boost with Thomas Partey fit to face Liverpool
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Arsenal have been handed a big injury boost with midfielder Thomas Partey fit to face Liverpool on Saturday.
The Ghanaian picked up a thigh injury prior to the Watford game this month, and it was recently claimed that could be doubtful to face the Reds.
However, the £36m-rated star has made a timely recovery, and the club have confirmed his availability through an official team news update today.
Granit Xhaka and Sead Kolasinac are the only absentees. The latter picked up a serious ankle injury on international duty for Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Meanwhile, Xhaka has started running on the grass, and the club have revealed that he could report for full training at the beginning of the year.
Our view:
The return of Partey is a huge boost for the Gunners, particularly after their mixed midfield display against Watford before the international break.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was paired alongside Albert Sambi Lokonga, and the England international put up a solid showing with important tackles.
However, Lokonga had a difficult game. The Belgium international squandered possession in defensive positions, but his mistakes went unpunished.
The Gunners can’t afford such lapses against Jurgen Klopp’s side, who generally capitalise on unforced defensive errors.
Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make on who will start between Lokonga and Maitland-Niles. The latter may get the nod based on his Watford performance.
The north London club still have a tough challenge on the cards, having not beaten the Reds in a league game at Anfield since the 2-0 win in September 2012.
A victory over the Reds would see them break into the top four of the Premier League for the first time in 14 months.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and 11v11.com
Read: Arsenal linked with January move for Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski.