Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has expressed his concern as the injured Thomas Partey was called up for international duty.
The Ghana international has been unable to play in any of the Gunners’ last three Premier League games due to his fitness struggles with a tight right thigh, and it remains to be seen when exactly he’ll return to action.
Even so, his country has called him into their international squad for some upcoming friendlies that will take place later this month.
In reaction to the news, Watts took to Twitter to outline his issues with the information, explaining: “Partey called up by Ghana for their friendlies this month. I’m sure that will have alarm bells ringing at Arsenal.”
TIF Thoughts on Thomas Partey and Arsenal…
Considering Partey picked up a season-ending injury last term before initially being called up to go on international duty, only to then be left out of the Ghana squad, it’s easy to understand where Watts’ concerns stem from.
And with the club already light in that part of the pitch – as evidenced by their deadline day attempts to sign central midfielder Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa – Arsenal won’t want to see Partey rushed back into action sooner than necessary.
The 29-year-old is a key part of Mikel Arteta’s team, with Invincibles maestro Gilberto Silva even comparing him to Patrick Vieira last season, so the club’s lofty ambitions this season may well hinge on him staying fit.
With that in mind, ‘alarm bells’ may well be ringing in north London today.
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