Arteta hints at benching Arsenal fan favourite player in game against Everton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that fan favourite Thomas Partey may not take part in the Gunners’ Wednesday game against Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Partey missed two games before returning for the Leicester City game on Saturday, but he didn’t start and Arteta has now suggested that he may not start him against Everton either.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced the media today ahead of their game against Everton and he was asked about an update on the injury of Thomas Partey and he hint at not starting him against Everton.

“He hasn’t trained much. He had a session and he will train today. It is what it is. He was out for a few weeks and he needs to get back into the rhythm.” Arteta told Arsenal Media.

Arteta’s comments suggest that he may not be willing to risk starting Partey against Everton, despite his return from injury. This could be due to concerns over his fitness levels, as well as wanting to give him more time to get back into the rhythm of playing competitive football again. It could also be a tactical decision, as Arteta may feel that there are other players better suited to starting against Everton than Partey at this stage in his recovery process.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on February 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Partey’s absence would be a blow for Arsenal fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his return since his injury layoff began earlier last month. The Ghanaian international has been one of Arsenal’s most impressive players since joined them, and his presence in midfield would certainly help the Gunners’ chances of getting a result against Everton on Wednesday night.

However, it looks like Arsenal fans will have to wait a little longer before they can see their star midfielder back in action again. With Arteta hinting that Partey may not take part in Wednesday’s game against Everton, it looks like they will have to wait until the next game.