Arsenal provide huge Thomas Partey injury update ahead of Benfica

Will Thomas Partey be fit to Face Benfica on Thursday?

The congested fixture schedule and the lack of recovery time between matches has contributed to a spike in muscle related injuries across sides in the Premier League, and with a European berth still within Arsenal’s sights this season, no matter how faint, they can’t risk Thomas Partey suffering another setback.

Speaking on whether Arsenal have an advantage going into Thursday, Arteta added:

"“Well the away goal is always important but in this context I don’t think it’s that relevant. We know to go there to try and win the game.” “This is really what we need. Really tough opponent. They’re a champions league team that have been playing these types of games for many years. Tomorrow it’s a final.”"

Given the occasion and the absolute necessity to avoid crashing out of the competition at the same stage as last season, Partey will be in consideration.

It is, however, such a risk.

All supporters want to see their best players take to the field, but there can’t be another repeat of the mistakes from earlier this campaign. Not with Partey. Not again.

Dani Ceballos played well in the first leg even if some of the previous issues in moving the ball around quickly returned. But besides that, Arsenal were the better team and are a stronger outfit than Benfica. Partey is an obvious bonus but Arsenal have enough to secure progression without throwing caution to the wind with the midfielder.

Keep him on the bench and see how the match develops. Unless, that is, that the plan has been from the off to have him play in this fixture, with the rehabilitation up until this point leading to Thursday. After all, the initial 10/12-day timeframe has gone into week two now. Bench or starting lineup, the news is warmly received.