Arteta hints at partey decision ahead of Arsenal Premier League clash vs Everton

 omas Partey made a return to the Arsenal matchday squad on Saturday afternoon and came off the bench as a late substitute after recovering from a muscle injury

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hinted that Thomas Partey will start on the substitutes bench once again when the Gunners face Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. The 29-year-old missed the defeat against Manchester City and win against Aston Villa after suffering a muscle injury.

Speaking ahead of the clash against the Toffees tomorrow night, Arteta offered an update on Partey's condition and hinted that he will likely start on the bench once again. The Arsenal manager said: "He hasn't trained much.

"He only had one session and he will train again today. He was out for a few weeks and he needs to get the rhythm back."

Partey has only missed five Premier League games this season after suffering a thigh problem back in August which saw him left out of the squad for games against Fulham, Villa and Manchester United. With the return of Europa League action approaching quickly, the Gunners are facing a congested fixture schedule once again and Arteta may not want to risk one of his key players as more demands get placed upon his squad towards the end of the season.

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