Arsenal handed key Thomas Partey fitness boost

Arsenal have been handed a major boost heading into the international break after a decision was made on Thomas Partey’s involvement with Ghana.

Domestic football will undergo a two-week break following the upcoming round of Premier League fixtures as international managers get the chance to fine-tune their tactics and take a final look at the players they may opt to bring for the summer’s activities.

With the European Championships to come at the end of the season after being postponed for 12 months, a host of stars across the continent will link up with their national sides this month, as will African players who have Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.

Mikel Arteta doesn’t have a great number of players set to jet off during this period although key stars will prepare for up to three matches as the domestic campaigns enter the business end.

Arsenal handed Thomas Partey boost for international break as Ghanaian will remain with Gunners

Thomas Partey was due to link up with Ghana during this spell with his nation set to face South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe if AFCON qualifiers, but the 27-year-old has been left out of the squad due to Premier League clubs not wanting to release players who were set to visit ‘red list’ countries.

South Africa currently features on the United Kingdom government’s list, meaning if Partey were to travel he would be forced to spend ten days in quarantine upon his return to London. There is no exemption from the quarantine rule for players away on international duty.

The call is a blow to Ghana and their campaign but comes as a bonus to Arsenal who are yet to see the midfielder in top form since his £45m summer arrival.

Whenever he plays Partey offers a healthy dose of class to the engine room. His touch, distribution and drive are a cut above the other midfield options Arteta has at his disposal, yet it has been clear in recent weeks that he hasn’t got up to speed with the Premier League, often losing his composure and looking leggy in the final stages of matches.

Now able to spend two weeks building his fitness ahead of the final stretch of fixtures, Arsenal may yet see the best of him before the season concludes.