Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at the return of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey to action after a four-month absence due to injury.
Arteta emphasised the importance of Partey staying fit for the remainder of the season.
Partey made his comeback in Arsenal’s commanding 6-0 victory over Sheffield United in the English Premier League on Monday.
The Gunners swiftly took a three-goal lead within the first 13 minutes and added two more before halftime against the league’s bottom side.
Having been sidelined since October 2023, Partey returned to the pitch as a substitute for Jorginho in the 65th minute of the match.
He had only managed five Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season prior to this game, with his last appearance being against Manchester City in October.
In his post-match press conference, Arteta expressed gratitude for Partey’s return but stressed the importance of the midfielder continuing to work hard to maintain his fitness throughout the season.
“Today, obviously, Thomas is available now to play a certain number of minutes. He needs to build that because it was his first minute after four months, which is a long time.
“And then, like everybody, you need to have the right to earn the minutes,” he said after the game.
Thomas Partey will be eager to receive more playing time when Arsenal hosts Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, March 9, 2024.