Given the multiple injuries he has suffered over the last few months, Arteta is keen to ease him back into action and with a number of training sessions under his belt, his return could arrive at Brammall Lane.
“Thomas had a session before the last game and now he’s done two or three consecutive sessions,” Arteta admitted last Thursday in a press conference.
“He should be part of the squad on Monday.”
Barring any setbacks, based on Arteta’s comments, Partey will be involved in a matchday squad for the first time in nearly five months. Elsewhere, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko appear further back in their recovery with the duo not seen in the latest set of training pictures and Arteta’s update did not indicate a return is on the horizon.
On the defensive duo featuring, Arteta said: “Those ones it’s possible but we’ll have to wait and see. Especially in the last two sessions on Saturday and Sunday. If that’s the case they might be available on Monday.”
Given the struggles the trio have had, it is entirely possible that none of them make the squad, however the chance of Partey being involved appears to have increased.
On Instagram, the 30-year-old posted a pre-match graphic promoting the fixture, an action usually done when a player is set to be involved. A start however, is extremely unlikely and not just because it would be his first minutes in some time but also because of Jorginho’s recent form.
Arteta has relied heavily on the Italy international for important games against Newcastle and Liverpool, with the Gunners taking maximum points. However, given the clash likely awaiting Arteta and his players, an extra defensive midfielder may not be needed.
Kai Havertz dropping back into midfield is a real possibility with the central spot in attack then likely open for Leandro Trossard. However, Arteta could choose to start Gabriel Jesus or even Eddie Nketiah given his success against Sheffield United in the reverse fixture.
