There were rumours that the Japanese and Ghanaian aces may be returning from injuries sooner than expected. This is the manager’s statement regarding this issue.
Arsenal has been dealing with a lot of injuries, despite being one of the favourites for the title and at the top of the league until Liverpool defeated Burnley 2-0 on Tuesday.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey, the Japanese defender and the Ghanaian midfielder with thigh and calf injuries, respectively, are two of the greatest absentees.
The last time Partey played for the team was in early October, when he came off the bench and helped Arsenal defeat Man City 1-0. While Tomiyasu has played more frequently this season, he hasn’t played since the team’s 2-1 triumph over Wolves at the beginning of the month.
But according to recent rumours, both guys might make a surprise comeback soon. Indeed, it was reported that Partey in particular had resumed training, with some even projecting his appearance in Thursday’s match against West Ham.
Mikel Arteta was questioned on this subject during his remarks prior to that Premier League match. Sadly for Arsenal supporters, the Spanish manager denied those rumours, stating that Tomiyasu and Partey have not resumed training, leaving his squad shorthanded for the match against the Hammers.
“We’re not going to have those two (Partey and Tomiyasu), then we have the suspension of Kai [Havertz], so I think we’re gonna have five out, but we have lots of other players willing to play,” Arteta told the Daily Mail.
Mikel was also questioned on if the two may make an appearance for the team before January, when they are scheduled to leave North London for international duty because of the Asia Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, which begin on January 12 and January 13, respectively. The manager of the Gunners made a hint that they might make a comeback before then, but it would depend on how they heal.
As previously stated, Liverpool’s victory over Burnley caused Arsenal to slide to second place. But if Saka and company defeat West Ham on Thursday, they can take back the top spot. But the Hammers, who defeated Manchester United 2-0 just already, will be a formidable opponent.
