Arsenal confirm Thomas Partey is in contention to face Newcastle after a month out with a thigh injury as Gabriel also set to return to training following battle with Covid-19
- Thomas Partey has not played for Arsenal since the defeat by Tottenham
- The Ghana international has played just six matches due to thigh injuries
- But he could now feature against Newcastle as they begin their FA Cup defence
- Gabriel Magalhaes has also missed the last three games due to coronavirus
Arsenal have revealed Thomas Partey will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Newcastle after returning to full training.
The £45million summer signing from Atletico Madrid has not featured since sustaining a thigh injury in the defeat by Tottenham on December 6.
He had only just returned from a similar injury suffered in the defeat by Aston Villa when he picked up the issue in the north London derby, and his fitness woes have therefore limited him to just six appearances for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Thomas Partey (left) will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Newcastle
Arsenal have also revealed they are optimistic Gabriel Magalhaes will return to training after testing positive for Covid-19
But now an injury update on the club’s official website confirmed the Ghana international could play some part in the third round tie against Steve Bruce’s side, when the Gunners begin the defence of their title.
‘Thomas is now back in full training with the squad after recovering from an injury to his left thigh,’ the update read.
‘Thomas will continue to work hard to establish match fitness after being out of action for a month. He will be assessed regarding his availability ahead of Saturday’s match.’
The club also confirmed that defender Gabriel Magalhaes is close to returning to training after testing positive for Covid-19.
Partey has not played for Arsenal since sustaining a thigh injury in the defeat by Tottenham
The Brazilian defender was self-isolating after coming into close contact with someone who had tested positive for the virus and therefore missed the Boxing Day victory against Chelsea.
The 23-year-old – signed from Lille in the summer – subsequently also returned a positive test and consequently missed the wins at Brighton and West Brom.
Pablo Mari has deputised for Gabriel but the club are now optimistic he is very close to re-joining the group.
Pablo Mari (second from right) has meanwhile been deputising in Gabriel’s absence in the last three games
‘Gabriel previously tested positive for COVID-19. He is feeling well and is showing no signs of illness,’ the update added.
‘Only on the successful completion of the necessary protocols and medical checks in the coming days will Gabriel be able to return to full training with the squad.’
Unlike fellow summer signing Partey, Gabriel has been a virtual everpresent for the majority of the season, featuring 15 times already and scoring twice for his new club.
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