Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is 'optimistic' that he will be fit for the Premier League clash against Leeds United this weekend. The Ghana international was absent from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola earlier this week after he was left out as a 'precaution'.
Partey's absence from the game was not thought to be serious, but Arteta is now facing yet another injury concern after losing Takehiro Tomiyasu for the rest of the season. The Japanese defender was substituted against Sporting CP with a knee injury before undergoing surgery to correct the problem.
In his post-match interview, Ghana manager Hughton said: "Thomas [Partey] has some small issues. We felt it was too big of a risk to start him [against Angola]."
