Mikel Arteta has been handed a huge boost ahead of Arsenal's clash against Leeds United this weekend as Thomas Partey was involved in training. The Ghana international was left out of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola as a 'precaution' after suffering from some 'small injury problems' during the international break.
In his post-match interview, Hughton said: "Thomas [Partey] has some small issues. We felt it was too big of a risk to start him [against Angola]."
Partey travelled on international duty with Arsenal’s lead performance physio, Simon Murphy, will continue to be assessed over the coming days. Players who didn’t travel away with their countries had some time off and did some smaller sessions - yet William Saliba remains a doubt for the game against Leeds after missing training on Thursday.
READ MORE: Arsenal can recall Gabriel Jesus against Leeds United with Thomas Partey replacement on standby
The Frenchman had to pull out of the France squad after missing the win against Crystal Palace with a back injury prior to the international break which saw Arsenal move eight points clear at the top of the table. Rob Holding is likely to start alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in defence as Saliba continues to recover from his injury.
Partey joined the likes of Jorginho, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe in the Gunners' preparations ahead of the game against Leeds. Saliba and Eddie Nketiah were absent from the session, although Kieran Tierney was involved.
Mikel Arteta is likely to provide an update on all of Arsenal's injury concerns in his press conference on Friday afternoon.
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