Football writer Charles Watts has explained that Arsenal and Ghana are currently having ‘conversations’ regarding Thomas Partey.
In their most recent Premier League fixture – a 1-0 home win at the Emirates Stadium over Watford – the former Atletico Madrid midfielder was not available for selection.
Indeed, shortly before the game, the Gunners announced that Partey would miss out due to a tight groin, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles taking his spot in the team.
Could Nuno Tavares become Arsenal's starting left-back?
Yes
No
With the international break now taking place, it is yet to be made clear whether the Ghanaian will be allowed to go and play for his country or if Arsenal will want him to recover in England – though he may fly out later on in the week even if he isn’t immediately fit.
While speaking about the issue on Monday via his YouTube channel, Watts explained: “Thomas Partey missed the game with a tight groin, wasn’t it, that Arsenal said? Now, Ghana have got two really important games coming up, the first of which is on Thursday.
“My understanding [is] a firm decision hasn’t yet been taken on that. Whether he will link up with Ghana, conversations are continuing between Arsenal [and] Ghana today to decide the best outcome.”
TIF Thoughts on Thomas Partey and Arsenal…
With Arsenal really starting to build some great momentum – having now gone unbeaten in 10 games across all competitions – it’s easy to understand why they would be hesitant about letting Partey go away if he’s not fully fit.
After all, the Ghanaian has been a fairly pivotal figure in the club’s strong run of form. Indeed, he has not actually lost a Premier League game all season, having been unfit for the club’s first three league matches.
On the other side of the coin, Ghana will likely want the 28-year-old midfielder available for selection as they have some must-win World Cup qualifying games coming up against Ethiopia and South Africa. Though, as things stand, Watts has since claimed Partey looks set to miss the first game at the very least.
It seems as though a big decision will have to be made in the near future.
In other news: ‘Everyone that I’ve spoken to’ – Watts reveals Arsenal man is earning rave reviews behind-scenes