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Football London
Football London
Sport
Chris Wheatley

Thomas Partey to face 'final test' as Mikel Arteta handed injury boost ahead of Benfica clash

Thomas Partey will face a late fitness test to determine whether he can play in Arsenal's Europa League clash against Benfica on Thursday.

Partey has been on the sidelines with a hamstring injury since the defeat to Aston Villa on February 6 in what has been a season decimated by injury problems.

MIKEL ARTETA HINTS AT ARSENAL CHANGES FOR BENFICA TIE

The 27-year-old has taken part in one training session ahead of the second leg in Athens, which is the Gunners' 'home' leg with the match being played in Greece due to coronavirus restrictions.

Partey was spotted in Saturday's training session at London Colney, ahead of the Manchester City clash, although he was involved in his own individual session as he peeked through the netting to keep tabs on his teammates.

“Thomas is very close,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference.

“He has got a final test today in training. If he is feeling good he can play the match.”

Meanwhile, Rob Holding won't feature against the Portuguese side due to concussion.

The England defender was substituted during Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City but is expected to be fully fit for Sunday's Premier League clash away at Leicester City.

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