Thomas Partey is eyeing up the Premier League clash against Everton as a potential return date for Arsenal.
Journalist Charles Watts said on YouTube that he could not even rule out that the midfielder would come back for the Gunners tonight in the Europa League.
But on the other hand, he said that it could not be ruled out that the Gunners would want to hold the Ghanaian back, and not even have him back in full training until next week.
Watts said that Partey is getting a lot closer to a return and even though he needs to be managed carefully, he will be back soon.
Thomas Partey targeting Everton game as potential return date
“Injury news is quite positive regarding Thomas Partey,” he said. “I don’t think he’s going to be involved (vs Zurich). I can’t rule it out but I don’t think he is going to be involved. From what I understand, he is targeting a return to full training this week. I don’t know if it has happened yet.
“He thinks he can come back to full training this week and he is targeting and looking towards the Everton game as a possible return date.
“Whether Arsenal take a slightly more cautious approach – it doesn’t matter what Thomas Partey thinks, it matters what the medical department think. They’re going to let him return to full training when they think he’s ready.
“It could be this week, it could be next week. He’s certainly getting an awful lot closer and is hoping he can be available against Everton. Really good news on Thomas Partey.”
Partey’s absence has been keenly felt by Arsenal and they do not really have another player capable of playing the same role as effectively.
But injuries have dogged his time in English football and Watts also said elsewhere that the key for him is staying fit once he is back.
It would be a shock if Partey was rushed back tonight for a game where Mikel Arteta is expected to make changes, but the overall news is postive.
