We didn’t have Thomas Partey for the biggest game of the season- Mikel Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sounded pleased to have Ghana’s Thomas Partey back in the fold for the Gunners ahead of the team’s English Premier League clash with AFC Bournemouth.

Speaking in a pre-game interview, Arteta stated that Partey’s return gives him more options in the wake of the Black Stars player’s absence in Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semifinals first leg in midweek due to a suspension.

“He’s a starter for us. He’s the player who’s played the most minutes in his position. For the biggest game of the season we didn’t have him but Rice [Declan] did a great job. Now we have him back so more options” Arteta said of Partey.

The former Atletico Madrid midfielder has been impressive for Arsenal in the 2024-2025 season and more importantly available with his near five year stay at the Emirates Stadium blighted by injuries.

Mikel Arteta Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

However, Partey has been healthy this season; he has four goals and three assists in 47 games in all competitions. Arsenal take on PSG in the second leg on Wednesday, May 7.