Thomas Partey may have dropped a big hint about possibly returning to the Arsenal squad against Manchester City.
Today's big clash from the Premier League is the third and final meeting between the two clubs this season
Pep Guardiola has gotten the better of Mikel Arteta on both occasions this term, guiding his side to a 1-0 win in the reverse league fixture at the Etihad Stadium back in October.
Then en route to the Carabao Cup final - which they will contest against Arsenal 's north London rivals Tottenham in April - City emerged 4-1 winners at the Emirates Stadium.
Ahead of the game in north London, Arteta is sweating on the fitness of Partey who has missed the last two games - against Leeds United and Benfica - with an hamstring injury sustained in the 1-0 loss at the hands of Aston Villa earlier in the month.
In a team news update issued by Arsenal.com on Saturday, the Ghana international wasn't exactly ruled out of the meeting against the current Premier League leaders.
"Left hamstring. Thomas is progressing well from a strain to his hamstring against Aston Villa on 6 February and will continue to be assessed ahead of Sunday’s match," a statement reads.
Furthermore, the midfielder was spotted in Saturday's training session at London Colney, although it seems he was involved in his own individual session as he peeked through the netting to keep tabs on his teammates.
So is Partey in line for a return to the matchday squad?
That may be the case as if his social media activity is anything to go by.
Taking to Instagram, the 27-year-old has done his best to hype up the big game in north London which could suggest he's in line for a recall.
Interestingly, the likes of Willian, Nicolas Pepe, and Gabriel Magalhaes have done similar whenever they've been included in an Arsenal matchday squad this season.
However, it should be noted that Partey has also done this in the past for games that he's missed.
And given what happened when rushed back from injury in the north London derby at the beginning of December, Arteta will be wary of taking any unnecessary risks with his £45m signing.
After facing Man City, the Gunners return to Europa League action against Benfica next Thursday and complete the month with a trip to the King Power Stadium against Leicester City.
