Mikel Arteta gave a positive update on the fitness of Thomas Partey ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Everton.
The Gunners maintained a grip on top spot on Saturday by beating Leicester City 1-0. Indeed, after the weekend’s fixtures Arsenal remain two points clear at the Premier League summit, with a game in hand over their nearest challengers Manchester City.
On Wednesday Arteta’s men will look to continue their title charge when they welcome Everton to the Emirates.
The Toffees, are winless in seven consecutive away league matches, having scored just one goal in that time.
Yet, Everton remain one of just three sides to have claimed a Premier League win over Arsenal this term, stunning the north Londoners with a 1-0 victory in early February.
However, Sean Dyche’s hopes of repeating the feat may have been dampened slightly by the possible return of Arsenal’s midfield enforcer, Partey.
Partey to return for Arsenal?
Partey made his return to action as a substitute in Arsenal’s victory over Leicester on Saturday after missing two games with a thigh injury.
While the Ghanian only played six minutes at the King Power Stadium, Arteta revealed the player was back in training and may be given more minutes to get back on track.
On Partey’s recovery from injury, Arteta said: “He hasn’t trained much. He had a session and he will train today. It is what it is.
“He was out for a few weeks and he needs to get back into the rhythm.”
Arsenal have struggled at the Emirates in recent weeks, partly due to Partey’s absence.
The Gunners have won just one of the last four home league matches and have just two clean sheets from their last 16 Premier League matches at the Emirates.
In his press conference, Arteta rallied the Arsenal faithful ahead of the crucial encounter.
The Spaniard said: “[The fans are] going to be crucial.
“Tomorrow we expect to have the same support because, with that, we’re going to be closer to winning the game for sure.”
