Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to rule Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey out of Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham.
The 28-year-old has missed the last three matches in all competitions but is closing in on a potential return ahead of Sunday’s showdown against Jose Mourinho’s side.
Partey has made a positive impression since his deadline day arrival, but the thigh injury he suffered during last month’s defeat against Aston Villa has curtailed his progress.
"He’s been training separately in the last week or so and we have to scan him again to see how he’s feeling. He’s a player that is so willing, that is pushing us every day and he wants to do it," Arteta said ahead of Thursday’s Europa League home clash against Rapid Vienna.
"At the same time, we have to protect him and make sure that when he gets back in the team, he is ready to do that and to whatever extent of minutes we can use him, so it’s going to be crucial with the moment he starts to train with the team to see how he is feeling and how he is evolving day-to-day."
He added, "We don’t know again, he is really pushing every day and he’s trying to get around the doctor and the physios but he hasn’t trained with the team yet so let’s see this week if he can get a session or two and then assess him, we need to scan him again so we can see the extent of the injury and how it’s healed."
"I know if it’s up to Thomas then he wants to play tomorrow. We have to see medically that he is safe to participate at all."