Mikel Arteta provided brilliant news regarding Thomas Partey and his availability for the trip to Leicester City this weekend. The Ghanaian has been absent since the 3-1 defeat against Manchester City which he missed due to a tight back muscle.
Partey was also missing for the trip to Villa Park but Arsenal were emboldened by the January transfer window addition of Jorginho. It was the Italian’s strike from outside the box that would lead to Emi Martinez’s own goal to deservedly hand the Gunners all three points and top spot in the table.
Partey has without a doubt been one of the most important players for Arsenal in the past three seasons. However, he has been missing at critical moments like this season’s City clash and in the last campaign’s race for Champions League qualification.
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In his absence against City and Aston Villa, Jorginho has arguably been one of, if not, the best player in the Arsenal team. He has provided progression, possession recovery and a game-winning moment that has certainly softened the blow of being without Partey.
Ahead of the trip to Leicester City Mikel Arteta said: "Thomas hasn’t trained much, but looks like he could be available. Let’s see how he trains today."
Fantastic news, without question. However, Jorginho has provided something for the position that Arteta has rarely had, if at all, since becoming Arsenal boss, a choice.
He could opt to start with Jorginho and Partey instead sit on the bench and come on the field later if needed. Where before the gap between the likes of Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny was so significant to Partey, that has now slimmed and the last two games stand as evidence of that.
With Partey’s issue being a tight muscle, it is something that need not be risked. Especially considering the Gunners are about to enter a period of seven games being played in just 23 days.
With midweek games for the next three weeks, allowing Partey and Jorginho to share the load will be critical. Arteta has a decision to make but crucially a message to send regarding performance, as Jorginho will be hoping to see his good performances rewarded with consistency.
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