‘I can’t risk my job to start you now’: Arteta told to drop £200K-A-WEEK star against Chelsea to avoid stories that touches the heart
There was a bit of a scare amongst Arsenal fans when Thomas Partey was subbed off at half-time during Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico.
But as Arsenal expert Charles Watts shared ‘panic over’ because it was all pre-planned by Ghana coach, Chris Hughton, as he told his own YouTube channel.
There is a reason why fans hate the international break. On one hand, it halts domestic football and, on the other, it puts their players at risk of injury and means that they travel back very late after duty.
Well, in Thomas Partey’s case, he will be in action for Ghana on Wednesday night against the USA in Nashville, which means a late trip back to London.
Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea for the evening kick-off on Saturday and Watts doesn’t expect the £200k-a-week star to feature (Spotrac).
Thomas Partey injury update
“My understanding of Thomas Partey’s early withdrawal from Ghana’s game against Mexico at half-time was that it was a pre-determined thing,” said Watts.
“They were just trying to manage his minutes after being so long out with injury and Chris Hughton has now confirmed that speaking to the press following the game.
“So, panic over. No need to be concerned. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s very, very similar for Thomas Partey when they play on Wednesday night in Nashville against the USA. I can’t see Thomas Partey playing the full 90 minutes. It might be another 45-minute type of thing for him, which is wise and sensible. These are friendlies, not qualifiers.
“It’s still a long journey home for him. Wednesday night in America. Arsenal are playing on Saturday. I would be surprised if Partey starts that game against Chelsea.”
Partey yet to get going
It has been a stop-start season for the 30-year-old, who is yet to consistently play in his midfield role this season because of Declan Rice.
When Partey was fit, Arteta opted to use him as a right-back with the duo yet to start alongside each other.
The hope from the Arsenal fans is that they do play together as soon as possible because it will elevate the team even further.
