As Arsenal prepares to face Manchester City, Mikel Arteta is anxiously waiting to determine Bukayo Saka’s availability. Additionally, it marks the return of Thomas Partey, who has been absent due to a groin injury. After missing eight games across various competitions, the Ghana international resumed training earlier this week and was named on the bench for the UEFA Champions League match against RC Lens.
There was a plan for Partey to get some minutes in the Lens match, but Arteta decided not to use him as he made changes to chase an equalizer. Despite this, Partey will be involved in some capacity in the upcoming match against Manchester City. Arteta confirmed his progress, stating, “He is ahead of schedule, that’s for sure. We wanted to have him in the squad if we needed to, the way the game panned out we had other necessities and didn’t use him. He will be in the squad.”
This will be Partey’s first inclusion in a Premier League matchday squad since the 2-2 draw with Fulham in August. Arteta now faces a selection dilemma as the midfielder can play in either the engine room or at right-back.
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READ MORE: Arsenal line-ups vs Manchester City as Partey starts, Zinchenko dropped and Saka decision made
While Partey is confirmed to be in Arteta’s plans, some other Arsenal stars who were on the bench in the midweek match against Lens will not be involved against City. Premier League rules allow Arteta to name a 20-man matchday squad, three fewer than European fixtures. Therefore, the bench for this match is expected to include Aaron Ramsdale, Karl Hein, Ben White, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Jakub Kiwior, Cedric Soares, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, and Mohamed Elneny.
With a maximum of nine substitutes allowed this afternoon, Arteta will have to leave three first-team stars out of the squad. The remaining spot on the bench is expected to be taken by Cedric and Elneny, assuming Saka passes a fitness test and is available for selection.
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Michael Johnson is your soccer guru, providing extensive coverage of soccer. With a global perspective, he delivers match reports, player interviews, and insights into the beautiful game, ensuring readers stay connected to the world of soccer.
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