Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has opened up about the difficulties he faced during his extended period on the sidelines due to injury, which lasted nearly five months.
As he nears a return to full fitness, the Ghanaian international has shed light on the hurdles he encountered during his rehabilitation process.
Partey, known for his pivotal role both at Arsenal and for the Ghana national team, endured a frustrating spell marked by limited appearances, featuring in only six Premier League matches for the Gunners this season, two of which were as a substitute following his injury.
His absence due to injury proved consequential, leading to his exclusion from key fixtures for both club and country, including important matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast.
However, Partey made a promising comeback with a brief appearance in Arsenal’s dominant 6-0 victory over Sheffield United, followed by another substitute outing against Brentford.
Expressing his eagerness to contribute to the team's success, Partey candidly discussed his journey of rehabilitation, stating, "It's been a tough period for me, being sidelined for an extended duration, but I'm now fully prepared to give my all for the team. I'm determined to elevate our performance in any way I can."
Partey emphasized his dedication to achieving peak physical condition and positively impacting Arsenal's campaign. "I've put in the hard work during my recovery to reach the required level. Now, I'm focused on rejoining the team," he added.
As Arsenal finds itself at the summit of the Premier League table alongside Liverpool after 28 games, Partey's imminent return provides valuable depth to Mikel Arteta's squad as they brace for a crucial showdown against Manchester City in the upcoming weekend.
Reflecting on missed opportunities from the previous season, particularly in the latter stages, Partey stressed the importance of maintaining concentration and resilience to avoid similar setbacks.
"We came very close to our goals last year, and this season, with our talented squad, I believe we're capable of achieving great things," he remarked.
With Arsenal gearing up to face upcoming challenges, Partey's determination to make a significant impact bodes well for the team's ambitions in the remainder of the season.