Mikel Arteta will be looking for a response from his Arsenal players in this weekend's clash against Newcastle. The Gunners saw their impressive five-game win streak ended by a 1-0 defeat to Porto in Champions League last-16 action with that European clash only the fourth time Arteta's side had failed to score this season.
When asked about responding to the defeat with a victory, Arteta said: «That’s it. We discussed it. Porto is gone, the things that we did very well, the things that we have to improve. It tells you about the fine margins in the Champions League.
»When you lose it in the last second it’s something else. That’s clear. We cannot lose sight of what we’re doing and the importance of the match tomorrow. The full energy and focus is there."
The Arsenal injury list is slowly decreasing with Emile Smith Rowe a recent returner,however there are still a number of key players missing with it unlikely any feature against Newcastle this Saturday. With that said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal training pictures.
Arteta will be hoping Thomas Partey can make his long-awaited return from injury over the coming weeks. Multiple setbacks have been suffered by the Ghana international recently and thus it is very likely he will be given plenty of time to fully recover.
«Let’s see,» Arteta said when asked about Partey. «We have another session today. He’s been out for many, many months now. We need to really nail the timing of when he has enough in the tank to compete. But I think he’s very close.»
A cameo against Newcastle United is possible and considering Partey was again captured both in the gym and training on the grass, he is likely very close to a return.
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Partey injury,
Read on football.london