Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s plans, has acknowledged that his time at Arsenal is coming to an end, apologizing to the fans. Partey, who has been struggling with a groin injury throughout the season, recently returned to action but got injured again, prompting Arteta to take drastic measures to monitor and manage his condition.
Arteta is keen on ensuring Partey’s full recovery, especially given his influential role during Arsenal’s title challenge last season. The club has flown their physiotherapist, Simon Murphy, to Ghana to keep track of Partey during the international break, as he represents Ghana in friendlies against Mexico and the United States. Arteta is cautious about the 30-year-old aggravating his injury and wants him back in top form for the upcoming clash against Chelsea.
Arsenal is facing multiple injury challenges, with Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber among the absentees. The team is focusing on ensuring Partey’s fitness for the upcoming London derby against Chelsea, where they want him at his best. Despite speculations of Partey leaving Emirates, Arteta expressed his desire to retain the player and pair him with Declan Rice in the midfield, a combination he hasn’t been able to fully utilize due to Partey’s fitness issues.
In the summer, Arteta emphasized Partey’s importance to the team and stressed the need for players to compete for positions, signaling the club’s ambition to improve the squad’s quality and depth. Partey’s willingness to stay with Arsenal has been clear from their conversations, and Arteta aims to integrate him effectively alongside new acquisitions like Rice.
As Arsenal navigates these injury challenges and international breaks, Arteta and his team are strategically managing Partey’s recovery and international commitments, aiming for a successful partnership with Rice in the midfield when he’s fully fit. The London derby against Chelsea remains a crucial fixture, and Arteta is working towards having Partey in optimal condition for the match, reflecting the importance of the midfielder in Arsenal’s lineup.
