Arsenal Learn Thomas Partey Injury Update Ahead of Manchester United

Arsenal are to be given a welcome boost ahead of Saturday’s visit of Manchester United in the Premier League, with Thomas Partey to get the green light to face the title-chasers.

The Ghanaian limped off during the impressive win over Southampton in the most recent fixture with apparent cramp, although in north London nobody can ever be sure that a seemingly minor knock is just that.

His withdrawal came with 12 minutes left in the game, a substitution that likely would have occurred anyway with the game won, and the midfielder not yet at full fitness.

Dabbling in the Premier League since his return, the 3-1 win on the south coast was evidence of his importance, albeit very clear that he wasn’t at 100%.

Thomas Partey to be fit for Arsenal to face Manchester United on Saturday

With none other than Manchester United to come on the weekend, ensuring he was healthy and available took precedent alongside his other fellow potential absentees. Emile Smith Rowe and Kieran Tierney are still touch and go.

However, as per Goal, Partey has recovered well from his injury, and sources close to the player are ‘confident’ he’ll be available Saturday’s crunch Premier League clash.

It is, of course, fantastic news. It is, also, worrying times.

While he may be deemed fit, the sheer volume of tough fixtures to come always raise the threat of aggravation. A once impenetrable wall appears to play every week with fear he could fall foul to injury at any given moment.

Following United, the Gunners face Wolves and Aston Villa away from home in four days before an eight-day break until Leeds United come to the Emirates Stadium. Wolves are a side Arsenal have struggled against since they returned to the top-flight, while a Jack Grealish-inspired Villa tore Mikel Arteta’s side to shreds last time out.

Thomas Partey is essential to garnering a positive result against the Red Devils, and while he needs time to gain match fitness and recover from his knocks, the season has to be taken one step at a time. Granit Xhaka faces a stern test regardless of his midfield partner on Saturday, but even he will admit the prospect of dealing with Bruno Fernandes is significantly less worrying with Partey by his side.

At Old Trafford, it was as if Paul Pogba and Fernandes weren’t there. History can’t be repeated without Partey.