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Chris Hughton hands injury update on Thomas Partey

Ghana head coach Chris Hughton has dismissed fears of another injury for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the Premier League clash against Chelsea.

The 30-year-old recently missed six games for the Gunners with a thigh injury. He made his comeback as a late substitute in the 1-0 league win over Manchester City.

Partey is currently on international duty with Ghana. He started for the Black Stars in their friendly loss to Mexico, but was substituted at the half-time interval.

When asked about the decision, Hughton clarified that Partey was always going to play 45 minutes, having just returned to competitive action with Arsenal.

He said (via football.london): “Thomas was always only going to play 45 minutes. He has been out injured for three to four weeks, he came back for Arsenal last midweek, was on the subs bench for one game and played 20 minutes for the next game. So we knew he was only going to play 45 minutes.”

Partey has huge role to play for the Gunners

Partey started the campaign as a right-back, who moved into midfield when in possession of the ball.

Gabriel Magalhaes had to start on the bench as a result, but it is unlikely that manager Mikel Arteta will adopt the same tactic over the forthcoming games.

Partey still has a huge role to play for the Gunners. The €35 million-rated star could start in the number six role, thus allowing Declan Rice to express himself.

Rice has operated in a deeper midfield role in Partey’s absence. The Ghanaian’s return should allow the 24-year-old to play in the creative midfield position.

Arsenal have a London derby at Chelsea following the international break. They have the opportunity to go top of the table (at least temporarily) with a victory.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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