THOMAS PARTEY is back in full training in a massive boost for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
The Gunners midfielder has been out since October following thigh surgery – having also missed the entirety of September with a groin problem.
AlamyThomas Partey has returned to Arsenal training[/caption]
Partey’s injury issues have seen him play just four Premier League games so far this season, but is now in contention to make his first appearance since October 8.
Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday before a crunch clash at home to league leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
The Arsenal boss now has the choice of including the Ghanaian international in his squad for the must-win City Ground encounter next week, ahead of an Emirates title bout.
Partey has stepped up his advanced rehab in recent weeks, jetting out to Dubai with the squad earlier this month for a warm-weather training camp.
It appears to have paid off, and Arteta will hope the player has a clear run-in to the end of the season injury-free – having been so vital to their title charge last year.
Summer signing Declan Rice has stepped up in Partey’s absence in the past few months, but Arteta will be keen to get the duo playing together and gelling as quickly as possible.
Partey was deployed at right back for the opening three games of the campaign, but with Arteta now settled on a back four, he will likely slot in alongside Rice and Martin Odegaard.
The return of Partey will ease the pressure on Arteta to make signings this month, with FFP concerns limiting their options despite needing reinforcements in attack and defence, but Arsenal are close to having a full fit squad at the perfect time.
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Jurrien Timber – signed in the summer and tearing his ACL in the opening day of the season in a 2-1 home win over Forest in August – remains several weeks away from returning.
The Dutchman also trained separately from the squad in the Dubai, but is now on the grass doing working with a ball at feet. His comeback will give Arteta further depth at the back.
Fabio Vieira is still recouping from groin surgery, and should be targeting the end of next month to be involved again.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny are currently away at the Asian Cup and African Cup of Nations with Japan and Egypt respectively.
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