Arsenal’s Thomas Partey & Gabriel Injury Boost to Push Progression

Arsenal have been handed a double injury boost ahead of Saturday.

The FA Cup starts for Arsenal this Saturday as they host Newcastle United in the first game ahead of the defence of their title.

A full week off playing has given Mikel Arteta‘s side the relief they needed off the back of a hectic festive schedule, ironically at a time where they would’ve welcomed another fixture in quick succession.

Lost at sea this season, Arsenal have finally managed to catch a wave. Heads are above water and the horizon is in sight. Three consecutive Premier League wins have stemmed the tide and the outlook heading into the next stage of the season is finally positive.

Having dabbled with systems and personnel to no avail, the injection of youth has proved to be Arteta’s antidote; one that has stopped the rot, but not entirely. The Spaniard will be under no illusions that this campaign is suddenly fixed.

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Someone returning from injury having been absent for an extended length of time is often classed as being like a ‘new signing’. An overused term that doesn’t make all to much sense. In regards to Thomas Partey, however, just three full matches under his belt and three months on from his acquisition, he can be considered just that.

Arteta insisted the Ghanaian’s return would evoke such sentiments, and you can’t begrudge him for it. As impressive as the Gunners have been over the last three matches, the lack of Partey’s presence has actually been even more telling.

As opposed to feeling like the midfielder was needed to save Arsenal, his return will now improve Arsenal drastically. When searching for positives, that’s one to cling onto. It indicates progression is being made with this team; progression that can be maintained and built on.

How much superior this side can be with a fit Partey is genuine cause for optimism. Just smatterings of brilliance is all supporters have been treated to up until this point.

His return will transform the midfield. That first half against Brighton? Sure, Arsenal won the game, but when you’re looking for how to eclipse performances you needn’t look further than the stark deficiencies in central areas during those opening 45 minutes.

Partey’s return coincides with Gabriel Magalhaes, with updates on the pair given by the club.

Thomas Partey & Gabriel Magalhaes Return

Midfield will receive an upgrade. Defence? Well, that’s actually been handled very well in Gabriel’s stead.

The Brazilian has missed the trio of wins having contracted COVID-19, a period that was expected to be a troublesome one for matters on the pitch.

"“Gabriel previously tested positive for COVID-19. He is feeling well and is showing no signs of illness. Only on the successful completion of the necessary protocols and medical checks in the coming days will Gabriel be able to return to full training with the squad,” the official Arsenal website said. “Thomas is now back in full training with the squad after recovering from an injury to his left thigh. Thomas will continue to work hard to establish match fitness after being out of action for a month. He will be assessed regarding his availability ahead of Saturday’s match.”"

Newcastle will come too soon for Gabriel although Partey could feature. Given Gabriel won’t play, it likely means another start for the impressive Pablo Mari.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1347098193369190402

That three-game stretch was made more soothing by the Spaniard’s composed performances. Playing in a similar vein to Gabriel, a high-line with aggressive pressing out from the back, his lack of pace was expected to be a weakness. Not at all, really.

Very intelligent with his movement, Mari has accounted for his lack of speed admirably. In the air he’s been solid, and his distribution down the line has held its own against the 22-year-old’s weight of pass.

Gabriel still comes back in for Premier League matches, though. Both Partey and Gabriel are upgrades on what Arsenal have put out of late. The team has done well, but it can do better. The duo returning in place of their counterparts means Arteta, for the first time this season, has his best players available.

There are no excuses for the shambles we’ve seen this season – Arsenal are still 11th – but throughout that time the manager has had to feed off the poor options given to him. He has shot himself in the foot in that regard with more than questionable allegiances to certain players, but finally he’s appeared to turn a corner.

Arsenal can now begin to push on. Every player prefers coming into a winning side and the missing pair will be desperate to get a piece of the action. Partey (in his tiny sample size) and Gabriel have been superb and there is still more to come from both of them.

Progression has been shown in small doses in the past few weeks. Add these two in and they’ll protract that growth.