Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is working hard in the gym as he looks to get back to full fitness.
The Ghanaian international underwent surgery on a thigh injury last month, and he is now in rehabilitation ahead of his return to first-team action.
Supporters on X are happy to see Partey making progress as he bids to make a speedy comeback, and there are some who are hoping to see him play this month:
looking good
— Mr Styles (@lawlyn78) December 14, 2023
We need him back despite the sideline situation
— SKYSCRAPER (@HashimMangaji) December 15, 2023
Want him back fit for Anfield
— Jetha da Gunner (@aatmaram_arteta) December 14, 2023
Welcome Thomas Partey🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Japhé_B¹⁴ (@Japhe_B) December 14, 2023
Good to see, he’s making great progress.
— Emmanuel Ndiokwere (@EmmanuelNdiokw4) December 14, 2023
Good to see – we need him back
— Andrew Roberts (@THEACR66) December 14, 2023
This man should come back now…can’t believe we’ve played so many matches without him this season miss this man
— Gølden Boy 🏆 (@coldplutox) December 14, 2023
Partey should be back available in January
The fact that the 30-year-old is still in the gym, and not back out on the training pitch yet, suggests that he is a number of weeks away from being ready for selection again.
Those fans hoping that Partey will be in contention to face Liverpool, West Ham or Fulham before the end of the year need to keep their expectations in check.
Could Arsenal sell the midfielder next month?
There has been some speculation that the Gunners may opt to offload Partey due to his fitness problems and the fact that his contract expires in 2025. Serie A side Juventus are said to have taken a keen interest in the player.
However, it would be a surprise if manager Mikel Arteta sanctioned his departure unless the club can use funds from his sale to finance a move for an upgrade.
