04 March 2024 , 06:30
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has a selection dilemma on his hands for the trip to Sheffield United tonight because Thomas Partey is finally back fit and available.
Partey started the first four matches of the season before picking up a groin problem against Fulham at the end of August. He missed just over a month of action and returned to face Manchester City on October 8, but that proved to be his final appearance before suffering a hamstring issue.
And now the 31-year-old has recovered and is back in contention for the Gunners as they prepare for the business end of the campaign. Speaking ahead of the trip to Bramall Lane, Arteta confirmed that Partey, who has been in training since late January, is set to feature at Sheffield United.
"I think they only played in the Community Shield together in midfield," the Spaniard said. "That tells you how much we have missed Thomas. To play the whole season and a player like him who has not played much with us. The impact he can have for the next three months can be really big.
"He can also help Declan as well. I will have to see that chemistry on the pitch and those qualities and the things we have to treat around to make sure they play to their strengths and make each other better. But I think that will be a very powerful midfield."
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If Partey does get the nod to start, then Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice could play alongside him in midfield, which would see Jorginho dropping down to the bench. Emile Smith Rowe, Mohamed Elneny and Fabio Viera are also expected to be named as substitutes against Sheffield United.
At the back, David Raya is set to continue in goal with Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior ahead of him in central defence. Oleksandr Zinchenko is nearing a return and could be fit for Monday's clash, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber remain sidelined.
Thomas Partey could feature against Sheffield United (Getty Images)Moving through midfield and to the front three, Arteta could keep the same formula that started the 4-1 win over Newcastle last weekend. That would be Gabriel Martinelli on the left, Kai Havertz through the middle and Bukayo Saka on the right-hand flank, leaving Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah on the bench.
Nevertheless, it's another huge game for the Gunners as they look to win their first Premier League title since 2004 - and Arteta is aware of the task at hand despite Sheffield United's precarious position. The Arsenal boss said: "They're a really difficult team to beat.
"I've watched four or five games now with the City game, the way they started against Villa, and then obviously the game took a different route, but as you mentioned they are extremely well coached.
"I know Chris really well and I admire his teams, a lot of things that he does with them. It will be Monday night football and it’s going to be a tough night."
Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
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