Mikel Arteta believes the return of Thomas Partey from injury can prove transformative to Arsenal’s dynamic as the Gunners look to continue their mini-revival.
Arsenal have recovered from their worst-ever start to a Premier League season to win their past three league fixtures in succession, with the north Londoners seeking a fourth consecutive three points when they host Crystal Palace on Thursday evening.
Arteta’s side could be boosted by the return from injury of summer signing Partey, injury problems having restricted the Ghana international to just six appearances in all competitions since arriving from Atletico Madrid.
Arteta believes the return of the 27-year-old can have a major impact on his side’s fortunes, hailing the ‘presence’ of the marquee addition who he says has the potential to make ‘players better around him’.
Asked if Partey was capable of changing Arsenal’s dynamic, Arteta said: “Absolutely and because obviously, we are able to watch him in training.
Thomas Partey in training today. #AFC pic.twitter.com/3KoMc8fTxV
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) January 13, 2021
“And who he is as well. I think he’s got a different presence. I think he brings something different to the team.
“It’s not just about his talent it’s not, about his physicality, it’s who he is as a person. He makes players better around him and that’s a big quality.
“It’s incredible that we are in January, we signed him in the summer and we only played him twice. So, we haven’t really seen the impact that we believe he could have on the team.
“Obviously, we have missed him. On the other hand we’ve seen players stepping in as well. When that happens they give us some really positive news as well. But I think it’s going to be a big bonus if we can keep him fit.”
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