Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been named in Arsenal’s starting lineup for the first time since August 2023 marking a return to the first XI after seven months.
The 30-year-old has been sidelined for most of the season due to a muscle injury that intensified in October 2023.
However, after successfully recuperating and earning a few minutes in previous games to gain match fitness, manager Mikel Arteta has named the Black Stars midfielder in the starting lineup against Luton Town in a crucial encounter which kicks off at 18:30GMT on Wednesday night.
The former Atletico Madrid man replaces Jorginho who started in their goalless stalemate against Manchester City.
Partey will play in his favourite central position where he will be flanked by Martin Odegaard to the right and Emile Smith Rowe on the left.
The midfield trio sits in front of a back four comprising Rice, Saliba, Gabriel and Zinchenko with Raya in post.
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Trossard, Havertz and Reiss Nelson complete Arteta’s lineup as the Gunners aim for another win in the Premier League.
🚨🔴⚪️ Bukayo Saka, NOT in Arsenal squad tonight.
Thomas Partey, Nelson, Smith Rowe, Trossard, Zinchenko start.
Gabriel Jesus, Jorginho, Kiwior, Declan Rice benched. pic.twitter.com/dRyVDLV4Yp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 3, 2024
Partey, inclusion comes as a huge relief to fans and pundits alike who have bemoaned his recent injury setbacks with others tipping him to leave in the summer.
The last time he started a game for the Gunners was against Fulham in the team’s third league game which ended 2-2.
Partey’s injury has seen him miss crucial matches for both club and country with his absence being felt during Ghana’s shambolic performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Meanwhile, Arsenal after missing out on the title last season, are poised to fight harder this season with Liverpool and Manchester City still in the title race.
Arsenal after 29 games have 65 points, 2 less than leaders Liverpool while Manchester City sit third with 64 points.