Arsenal have seemingly been handed a major boost ahead of this weekend's clash with Brentford as Thomas Partey looks set to return from injury.
The Ghanaian midfielder has been a key influence in the middle of the park for Mikel Arteta since his arrival, however his fitness concerns have caused issues along the way. Since joining in 2020, the 29-year-old has missed a total of 36 competitive fixtures for the Gunners, underlying just how concerning his absence is.
Partey already missed four Premier League games so far this campaign and in his absence, the manager has looked to use Sambi Lokonga in the no.6 role, one he has taken to with mixed results so far as he still learns his trade.
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For example, taking the past two Premier League outings into account, Lokonga's extremely progressive performance with the ball in the Gunners' 2-1 win over Aston Villa at the end of last month showed that he has tremendous potential. However, at times, lapses in concentration against Manchester United meant that the Red Devils were able to capitalise on the counterattack.
These are things that he'll continue to work on as he's given more time to develop his game in England. However, former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell believes that the Belgian youngster is most at risk of his losing his place in the Arsenal team as a result of Partey's return.
“Well the most (likely to benefit) is Thomas Partey as it gives him the chance to shrug that tight thigh off," he told The Highbury Squad, as cited by The Boot Room. “Who benefits the least? I suppose it’s Sambi Lokonga."
Campbell continued by suggesting that no matter how well Lokonga plays, for now, Partey will always come back into the side as Arteta's team look to stay in and around the top of the table.
“Who’s been playing, who’s been starting and has done all right as far as I’m concerned.
'But if Thomas Partey’s fit and you should expect him to be right for Brentford, he’s got to come straight back in.”
Perhaps Lokonga has to face the harsh reality that as he's still honing in on his craft, he'll have to give way to the more experienced players from time to time. That in turn is frustrating though, and you'd like to think that if he deserves to keep his place in the midfield, Arteta will reward his good work by continuing to pick him.
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