Arsenal defensive midfielder Thomas Partey has returned to training ahead of the match against Brentford in the Premier League. This is according to CBS Sports Journalist James Benge. Partey is a key player in the midfield for Arsenal ever since his arrival in 2020. However, his fitness and injuries have caused him a lot of issues along the way. This time, it was a recurring injury in his thigh that kept him out of action. In his absence, Mohammed Eleny has stepped up to fill in for the injured player in the defensive midfielder position. This impressive performance in the absence of the primary defensive midfielder has earned him a contract extension with Arsenal.
However, Eleny too got injured in the match against Fulham. Per David Ornstein, it is a “significant” injury that will keep him out of action for a substantial period. Alex Zinchenko has also got an injury which means currently Arsenal are a short in the midfield department. However, now Thomas Partey is fit enough to resume training. Come, next Sunday, it is expected that the player will become fit enough to play a few minutes against Brentford. Since joining in 2020, Partey has missed a total of 36 games for the Gunners. This is a serious issue and Arsenal needs to sort it out in the upcoming transfer window. In the absence of the established midfielders, Arsenal have used youngster Sambi Lokonga in the defensive midfielder role. However, the results are pretty mixed as the midfielder is still learning his trade in the Arsenal shirt.
Arsenal wanted Douglas Luiz to increase midfield depth
To alleviate some of the troubles in the midfield, Arsenal wanted to sign Aston Villa defensive midfielder Douglas Luiz late in the summer window. However, Aston Villa were reluctant to let Luiz leave so late without having a proper replacement in place for the player. Consequently, Villa straight up rejected the offer that the Gunners made for Luiz.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on: