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Arsenal provide huge Thomas Partey injury update ahead of Benfica

By Ross Kennerley

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Thomas Partey of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on February 06, 2021 in Birmingham, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Thomas Partey of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on February 06, 2021 in Birmingham, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides huge injury update on Thomas Partey ahead of Europa League round of 32 second leg with Benfica. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided the latest injury news on Thomas Partey ahead of a season-defining Europa League round of 32 second leg clash with Benfica in Athens.

Bought for £45m from Atletico Madrid in the summer, the Ghanaiain has been beset with injuries throughout his time in north London, with fans barely getting a glimpse of the midfielder, and when having had the pleasure of doing so, he’s been far from fully fit.

Rushed back from a thigh problem to face Tottenham in the North London Derby in December, a series of niggling concerns have prevented his Gunners career from taking off, missing crucial games at key points of the season.

The latest concern for Thomas Partey has been a hamstring injury sustained in the latter stages of the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in early February, but Arteta has provided a welcome update ahead of Thursday’s crunch European tie.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides huge injury update on Thomas Partey ahead of Europa League round of 32 second leg with Benfica

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Spaniard revealed there is a good chance the 27-year-old could return in time for the trip to Greece.

"“Thomas is very close he’s got a final test in training and if he’s feeling good he will be available to play the match,” Arteta stated, as quoted by football.london."

The news is a huge boost for the Gunners who head to the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium with a slight advantage over their opponents, as Bukayo Saka’s second half goal cancelled out Pizzi’s penalty in the same half to level matters at 1-1.

On a knife edge, Arsenal will need all the help they can get in their bid to each the round of 16, and with their midfield struggles laid bare all season, they may be in luck.

Even if he is available, should he play?

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