Arteta explains why Thomas Partey didn’t play against Newcastle

The Ghanaian midfielder’s recent progress had put him in contention for a return to action in Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Newcastle.

Mikel Arteta revealed Thomas Partey is ‘still a little bit short’ in terms of fitness after narrowly missing out on a return to action on Saturday.

Arsenal’s €50m summer signing has made just six appearances since his arrival from Atletico Madrid. A recurring thigh problem has kept him sidelined, having missed 12 of the club’s last 13 games in all competitions. His last appearance was against Tottenham in the Premier League on December 6.

Thomas Partey training ahead of Saturday's FA Cup match against Newcastle too. pic.twitter.com/RTOdkY6K4b

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) January 5, 2021

But Partey has resumed full training, and he had hoped to make his comeback in the FA Cup third-round clash against Newcastle United on Saturday.

“We assessed the situation, how much training he’s done and the boxes he’s ticked,” explained Arsenal manager Arteta during his post-match conference at the Emirates Stadium.

“He was still a little bit short. Hopefully, on Thursday we might have him available in the squad. Let’s see how he trains the next couple of days. He’s been really good at the moment.”

Despite extra-time goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealing Arsenal passage into the fourth round with a 2-0 win, it wasn’t all good news for the FA Cup holders.

Gabriel Martinelli sustained an ankle injury during the warm-up, forcing the young Brazilian to withdraw from the match.