The Partey games can start soon
THOMAS PARTEY could give Arsenal a major boost by returning before the end of the month.
Partey has stepped up his rehabilitation and could be in line to return to firstteam duty for the trip to Nottingham Forest on January 30.
The Gunners midfielder has missed the Africa Cup of Nations because of his ongoing thigh injury but that does not mean he is unable to play before the end of the tournament.
Ghana boss Chris Hughton made it clear that they had good dialogue with Arsenal and realised that if they did pick Partey then he might not be available until after the group stage of AFCON.
But Ghana would not attempt to block Partey playing for Arsenal as they have good relations and understand the midfielder has been recovering from undergoing a medical procedure on his thigh in November.
Partey also had a groin problem earlier in the season and this campaign has been disrupted after a string of injuries.
But there has been no setback or delay and that will give boss Mikel Arteta a much-needed boost.
Arsenal do not have scope for any big deals in January and, despite being admirers of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, the only realistic signing may be a short-term loan for a defender.
Partey was a revelation for Arsenal in the first half of last season and does give Arteta the option of using him as a midfielder or right-back stepping into midfield.
There was a hope he could return sooner in January but Arsenal could play safe with the Forest trip.
Arsenal hope Gabriel Jesus could also be back as the knee issue which forced him to miss the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool is believed to be minor.