THOMAS PARTEY’S return from injury will be like a new signing for Arsenal, believes boss Mikel Arteta.
The Ghanian, 27, joined from Atletico Madrid for £45million last summer but injury has restricted him to just a handful of games so far.
Thomas Partey will be like a new signing when he returns from injury, says Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty
He suffered a recurrence of his thigh problem on his return from a month out on December 6 as the Gunners were defeated by Tottenham in the North London derby.
Now he is well on the road to recovery and is hoping to feature on January 9 against Newcastle in the FA Cup.
Arteta says he will wait for Partey to come through training unscathed this week before making a decision to include him.
But he is adamant having him back available will be like welcoming a new signing.
After last night’s 4-0 win at West Brom, the Spaniard said: “We are in January and I think he’s played two and a half games, that’s all and he was our main signing.
“We’ve been missing him. He brings something different to the team, he’s a player with an enormous talent.
“But as well someone that can transform the team the way we want.
“It’s great if we can have him, keep him healthy and I think he will contribute in a really positive way.”
He continued: “He’s done the most part training the last few days. He’s feeling good and we will assess him.
“He needs another two or three good sessions to see if he’s 100 per cent OK to play.
“And if that’s the case, great news for us.”
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Arteta says tonight’s performance against West Brom was close to what he wants to see
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
