Arsenal given major Thomas Partey fitness boost as Ghanaian returns to training after injury

Thomas Partey is back in Arsenal training after recovering from his latest injury setback.

The Ghana international has been out for nearly three months after undergoing surgery on a thigh problem sustained in the build up to Arsenal's 2-1 win over Sevilla in the Champions League in October. Partey hasn't played since and was forced to miss this month's Africa Cup of Nations as a result.

The news is a huge boost for Arsenal who have barely been able to call upon Partey this season. The 30-year-old has played just 15 minutes since August as a result of a string of muscle injuries. During that brief period on the pitch though he was involved in the build up to Gabriel Martinelli's winning goal over Manchester City.

Partey's news will help Arsenal two fold as he has been used in both midfield and defence this season. It is particularly in the backline where his ability to play at right back could ease the burden on Ben White, with Jurrien Timber still some way off making a return from injury and Takehiro Tomiyasu away on international duty at the Asian Cup.

It is not year clear if Partey will be fit in time to take part in Arsenal's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night although the player is hopeful he can be ready for the game. football.london understands that the Ghanaian trained on Wednesday and has been in full training with the rest of the squad.

Elsewhere there is thought to be positivity on the fitness of Declan Rice who came off during the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace last Saturday. Gabriel Magalhaes is being assessed after also coming off during that game, while Fabio Vieira is nearing a return following three months out with a groin problem.

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