Mikel Arteta: We Need Partey, We’re A Better Team With Him

Arteta hoping Partey can have a huge impact…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is hoping midfielder Thomas Partey has a huge impact on the team in the second half of the campaign as he nears full fitness, the boss told the press.

Speaking ahead of our Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest, Arteta ruled Partey out of the travelling party to the City Ground, though the 30-year-old is nearing a comeback.

Partey returned to full training last week having been on the sidelined since October, an injury which also forced him to go under the knife weeks later.

In years gone by, such an absence would’ve curtailed our campaign but Arteta’s move to bring in the reliable Declan Rice has allowed us to remain in contention for our main objectives.

Having said that, Arteta is desperate to have Partey available for the rest of the season and stated that we’re a much better side with him on the pitch.

“He always looks strong and very good. That’s not the issue,” Arteta said when asked how the Ghanaian is looking in training.

“Yeah we need him, we need him to have a big impact for us in the last few months.

“He’s a player that can really impact the team in a powerful way. We need him fit and available because he makes us better. We are better when Thomas [Partey] is in the team.

“He’s trying everything, he’s been very, very professional. He’s changed and evolved and adapted things to try. Injuries are part of football. Hopefully, he’s going to be in a position where he can impact the team,” Arteta added.

It beggars belief that we’re about to enter February and, as of yet, haven’t been able to field a midfield trio of Partey, Rice and Martin Odegaard.

While it’s no guarantee that Arteta sees that as our strongest midfield, I’m sure the manager would’ve liked the opportunity to field it on several occasions this season.

Nevertheless, the past is the past and one hopes Partey can find his feet quickly and take us on a run of form that sees us wrestle back control of the title race.