Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Thomas Partey is still not fit enough to play for Arsenal in their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest this week.
The Gunners are set to return to Premier League action after a prolonged break, aiming to build on their 5-0 victory against Crystal Palace in their last match. With Arsenal dropping points in their last games of 2023, they are looking to establish a winning run to reposition themselves in the title race.
Nottingham Forest, fighting for survival in the Premier League, poses a potential threat to Arsenal, and the Gunners will want to be at their best to avoid any surprises. However, Arteta revealed that Partey will not be available for the upcoming match, and he also provided an update on Declan Rice’s status.
He said, as quoted by The Sun:
“We’ve got some late decisions to make. Thomas won’t be one of those.
“We are still uncertain with a few players. Thomas is not in the squad.
“He [Rice] has done some work but he’s missed some work as well. Hopefully he’ll be OK.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Beating Forest is a must for us to remain in the title race, and it is sad that Partey will not be back.
However, we have enough players to still field a strong team, and everyone who is chosen to start that game must give their best.
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A player of the caliber of Partey, should play, at least until his “low level of fitness” starts showing. Rice has missed training, meaning he is not where he’s supposed to be on fitness, but he will be playing. Saka has played so many games when he was totally unfit to do so.
The fact is, Arteta will play whoever he wants to play regardless of consequences. I don’t even want to look at Havertz whose “name is cast in stone” on the first eleven selection list. Wow!!
Wow indeed
I dont think Partey will be playing very soon, he might still require a week or so to get match fit. Hopefully, Rice should be able to play but Arteta must not risk him if he is not fully fit. Forest is a decent side, specially on their home ground, but I still feel Arsenal must be able to beat them.