Journalist Charles Watts has provided a big injury update on Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey this week…
What’s the latest on Thomas Partey?
The Ghana international is representing the Black Stars in the AFCON qualifiers, but he has sustained an injury.
The 29-year-old started in the first match against Angola. However, just four days later against the same opposition, he was demoted to being an unused substitute as a precaution due to the injury.
Speaking to his YouTube channel, journalist Charles Watts said:
“My understanding of the situation is that Thomas Partey was training on Sunday ahead of that game against Angola and he felt something in his right leg.
“Now, there are pictures from that training session where you see the physio sort of working on Thomas’ leg.
“He’s got some sort of strapping on his thigh around the back of his leg. And my understanding is it is not a hamstring issue.
“That’s what I’ve been told by people close to Thomas Partey. And they believe he will be fine for the weekend. Obviously, that’s a very early assessment.”
How integral has Partey been this season for the Gunners?
Obviously, the news that the €38m-rated (£33.5m) midfielder will likely be fit to play against Leeds United on the weekend is a huge boost to Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners’ success has largely come this season due to their stability and consistency in their starting XI, in which Partey has played a huge role.
As per WhoScored, out of the players to appear in over 1000 Premier League minutes this season, the £200k-per-week machine has the fourth-highest average match rating (7.25), only behind Bukayo Saka (7.50), Gabriel Jesus (7.44) and Martin Odegaard (7.36) – this demonstrates his utmost importance to the squad.
Despite signing Jorginho in the January transfer window, the Gunners lack a similar player to the Ghanaian. The former Chelsea man plays in the same position but is of a different skill set. For example, as per FBref, Partey has a higher tackles won rate than the Italy international does, whereas Jorginho makes more interceptions.
Most importantly, the north London side play better as a team when the 29-year-old is on the pitch. Via FBref, Partey has an xG on-off of +0.11, which means the Gunners face a huge swing in success when he is playing compared to when he is not as they are more likely to score more and concede less.
Overall, the former Atletico Madrid midfielder, who was labelled “outstanding” by Ghana sports data analyst Joel Bortey, is a crucial cog in Arteta’s league-leading team.
For every Arsenal fan, ensuring that he is fit for the remaining ten Premier League matches is crucial in pulling off the unexpected and defeating Manchester City in their conquest for another Premier League title.