Thomas Partey injury: Progress and potential return date for Arsenal midfielder
- Partey has missed most of the 2023/24 season through injury
- Ghana international has struggled with a thigh problem in recent months
- 30-year-old has featured just once for Arsenal since August
Thomas Partey was once an influential member of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side, but an injury combined with the shiny arrivals of new squad members has seen his importance wane.
The Ghanaian was linked with a move away from the Gunners last summer and has been frustrated with his lack of minutes this season. However, now 30 years old, Partey has missed the majority of the 2023/24 campaign.
The former Atletico Madrid man represented Ghana during the October international break in two friendlies but is yet to return to the pitch for his club side.
Here's the latest on Partey's fitness and when he might return for the Gunners.
What injury does Thomas Partey have?
Partey was dealing with a nagging thigh problem which he underwent minor surgery for, having last played for Arsenal as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Manchester City before the international break.
The Ghanaian had hoped to return to action at the start of February despite missing out on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. However, Partey suffered a setback which has further delayed his comeback.
When will Thomas Partey return from injury?
Thankfully for Arsenal fans, Partey is closing in on a return to full fitness ahead of the Premier League title run-in, with the Gunners needing every available body as they target success at home and on the continent.
Arteta revealed before the clash with Newcastle in February that Partey was nearly ready to compere again.
The Spaniard said ahead the game: "We have another session today, and obviously, he's been out for many, many months now, and we need to really nail the timing and when he has enough in the tank to compete, but I think he's very close."
What Arsenal games has Thomas Partey missed due to injury?
His combined groin and thigh injuries mean Partey has featured in only five games for Arsenal in 2023/24 in all competitions. One of those was the Community Shield success against Man City, while three came as Premier League starts in August.
He made the matchday squad for the defeat in Lens before featuring as a replacement against Man City, then playing for Ghana on international duty in October. Partey was then an unused substitute against Chelsea but hasn't been seen since.
How have Arsenal done without Thomas Partey and who has replaced him?
Fortunately for Arteta, he has had the reliable and impressive Declan Rice to call on this season, lessening the impact of Partey's lack of involvement. Jorginho has also filled in a deep holding role for the Gunners, especially in the bigger matches with Rice's physicality utilised further up the pitch.
The side looks to have moved on from Partey during his time on the sidelines, with Rice proving to be an instant hit while club captain Martin Odegaard creates chances for the forwards ahead of him.
Kai Havertz was also a significant summer addition and will likely receive more game time even when Partey is fit. Partey himself had to play out of position at right-back just to get onto the pitch at all.
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