Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is optimistic that he will be fit to face Everton on Saturday.
Partey suffered an injury scare during Friday’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City when he suffered a blow to his ribs and was forced off at half-time at the Etihad Stadium.
The Ghanaian underwent assessments on Saturday when the Arsenal squad were back at their London Colney training base for a recovery session. The initial diagnosis was good, with the hope that Partey has suffered no serious damage.
Arsenal’s players were given Sunday off by manager Mikel Arteta and Partey was due to be assessed again by club medical staff on Monday morning.
The 29-year-old hopes he can train as normal this week and face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, but he will wait to be given the all-clear after further assessment.
Partey has been instrumental for Arsenal this season and his fitness would be a huge boost to Arteta, who is short on midfield options as Mohamed Elneny is currently out with a knee injury.
The Gunners are also trying to strengthen their midfield options with the signing of Brighton’s Moises Caicedo before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
The club had a second offer worth £70million rejected and are considering an improved bid for the 21-year-old, whom they believe could play instead of, or alongside, Partey.
