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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Daniel Blackham

Arsenal dealt injury boost ahead of Benfica clash but Rob Holding still sidelined

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has returned to full training in a huge boost for Mikel Arteta ahead of this Thursday's Europa League clash with Benfica.

Partey has missed the Gunners' last three games across all competitions after suffering a hamstring injury.

The central midfielder, who was signed last summer after Arsenal met his £45million release clause, has looked impressive since joining.

But injuries have prevented him from getting a long run of games under his belt.

He was notably absent from Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Benfica last week, though he is now set to return to the fold in time for the return leg.

Thomas Partey returned to training this week (GETTY)

Partey, 27, took part in training on Saturday, though he was apparently only going through an individual workout.

But on Tuesday, he was seen taking part in full training with the rest of the side.

Partey is now set to be in contention for the Benfica game in Greece.

Rob Holding is still unavailable for Arsenal (GETTY)

It isn't all good news for Arsenal, however.

Rob Holding wasn't seen in training after being taken off in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, and it seems unlikely he will be involved against Benfica.

Holding was tested for a potential concussion, and will have to undergo further assessment this week as a result.

Speaking after the defeat to the Premier League leaders, Arteta confirmed it was unlikely that Holding would be available any time soon.

He said of a potential involvement against Benfica: "That’s a call that has to be given by the doctor. And that’s the communication that we got with him so we decided to make the concussion sub.

"That’s what they told me [that Holding had concussion] so if that’s the case he will miss a few days [of training] I think."

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