November 18, (THEWILL) –Â Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is available for Saturday’s match against Liverpool.
Prior to the international break, the 28-year-old, who has been a regular in Mikel Arteta’s squad, starting the last six Premier League games, missed Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Watford and did not link up with the Ghana squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
It is all round cheering news for Arsenal’s midfield. Granit Xhaka’s recuperation from the knee injury he suffered in September is also on course. The Switzerland international is back running on the turf, and Arsenal expects him to be back in full training in January.
However, during the international break, Sead Kolasinac had a “significant” left ankle injury while playing for Bosnia after being on the receiving end of a powerful challenge from Jukka Raitala of Finland, who received a red card for the charge.
Kolasinac will need to be assessed before they take on the Reds from Anfield, who themselves have a string of injury worries of their own to contend with.
Left-back Andy Robertson’s chances of being fit enough for the match are “50-50.” Naby Keita, Joe Gomez, Harvey Elliott, and Curtis Jones are all sidelined, while Jordan Henderson is “hopeful” of returning.
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are set to benefit greatly from Partey’s comeback. With Xhaka already out with a knee injury, Partey’s role as the club’s senior centre midfielder is crucial.
While Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have done admirably in his absence, Partey provides vital experience and skill, which will undoubtedly be needed for the arduous trip to Anfield.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
