Arsenal: Arteta reveals return date for Smith Rowe and Partey

The midfield pair could provide Arsenal with a massive squad boost for the busy Christmas period.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that both Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe could return from injury before the January break.

Partey has struggled with a number of injury issues this season, making only four Premier League appearances. The Ghana international is currently out with a thigh injury as Arsenal edges closer to their busy schedule in December.

Smith Rowe, on the other hand, picked up an untimely knee injury in late October, returning to the sidelines only a few days after regaining full fitness from a previous knock.

Asked whether Arsenal could have both Partey and Smith Rowe back during the busy Christmas schedule, Arteta said: “It is a possibility but it will depend on how they evolve.

“Emile has been already on the pitch doing some jogging, so I don’t know how long it’s going to take. Normally he is a quick healer, and Thomas is the same.

“We have to make sure that when they come back they are at their best as well. We don’t want to rush them, but at the same time the team needs them because at the moment we are missing some key, key players.”

Arsenal can secure a place in the Champions League knockout stage by beating Lens on Wednesday. The Gunners will then return to the Premier League, where they host Wolves three days later.