Thomas Partey is a doubt to start Arsenal’s crucial clash with Everton

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Thomas Partey remains a doubt to start the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Everton on Wednesday night.

The Ghanaian midfielder had faced a spell out with a thigh injury, but returned to action as a substitute against Leicester at the weekend.

It was therefore expected that he could be fit to start from the start against Everton, but Arteta has refused to divulge whether or not that is the case.

“He hasn’t trained much, he’s only had one session,” Arteta said. He will train today, so that is what he is. He was out for a few weeks and needs to get up to speed.

Partey was forced to sit out Arsenal’s 3-1 loss to another title challenger Manchester City, while also missing out on Arsenal’s incredible comeback against Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Thomas Partey is a doubt to start in the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Everton

Arteta revealed that Partey has only done one training session, so we will have to wait and see if he is fit to start against Everton

The Arsenal midfielder has been crucial to the Gunners’ push to a first title in 19 years, dominating the midfield week after week.

Arteta has been able to deploy the January signing of Jorginho in his absence, and the Italian proved crucial as Arsenal earned three points against Villa. His stoppage-time goal shot off the crossbar and off Emi Martinez before rolling over the line.

Partey was deemed not fit enough to start against Leicester on Saturday, but the 29-year-old replaced captain Martin Odegaard in the 84th minute in a big boost for Arsenal’s title hopes.

Arsenal were able to get the job done despite Partey’s absence from the star, with a second-half goal from Gabriel Martinelli enough to seal all three points down at the King Power.

In bizarre full-time scenes, central defender duo Gabriel and William Saliba were seen having a lively discussion, with both players gesturing wildly. At one point Saliba could be seen shoving the Brazilian, but it is unclear if it was as serious as it seemed.

When asked about the altercation, Arteta joked: “They are a happy marriage. They are very passionate. Everything’s fine.’

Along with Partey’s return, Arsenal have received another big boost with long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus expected to return to action before the international break, according to Football London.

The Gunners have a congested match load, with Arteta’s side facing Bournemouth, Fulham and Sporting Lisbon twice after Wednesday’s clash with Everton, all in the space of two weeks.

The Ghanaian midfielder came on as a late substitute during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Leicester on Saturday.