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Arsenal will not be counting on Thomas Partey for their crucial Boxing Day clash against Chelsea.
The midfielder has not recovered from the thigh injury he suffered against Tottenham earlier this month.
Mikel Arteta was hopeful that Partey would be in a position to play a role against the Blues with Arsenal desperate for a result amid their sad streak.
However, an update on the Gunners’ official website stated that Partey was scrapped, explaining: “Thomas is currently unavailable, but is progressing well and is now working outside on close ball work, along with continued focus on your general physical rehabilitation. “
Partey was one of three players who participated in the match at The Emirates on Saturday.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
While the 27-year-old will not participate, both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabriel Martinelli could still participate.
The Arsenal captain has missed the last two games with a calf strain, but looks set to be back in action in time to face Frank Lampard’s side.
“Auba is working hard with our medical team to regain his fitness as soon as possible,” the Arsenal update read.
“[He] it has now joined the external drills and will continue to assess availability before Saturday. “
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have been deprived of title glory for a while, but things could be turning around as a new Arsenal team chart a course for success.
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New signings Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey have started working after their big summer arrivals, and the new Gunners are doing their best for a top four spot and Europa League glory this season.
Mesut Ozil’s situation continues to hang in the background and there are plenty of things to do in North London to keep up with.
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Martinelli only returned to action after a six-month injury layoff on Wednesday, before leaving with injury.
“Heavy sustained impact and bruising on the right shin during our match against Manchester City on Tuesday,” the report says.
“Gabi is recovering well and we hope she can participate in full training before Saturday.”
Meanwhile, Gunners legend Paul Merson has urged Arteta to leave Willian against his former club.
Who will win between Arsenal and Chelsea on Boxing Day? Please express your opinion below.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “It has been shocking. I am a huge fan of Willian and in Chelsea he was incredible. Sometimes he was unplayable, but he is a shadow of what he was and I don’t know what.” is.
“He’s the only one you can ask and again, it all comes down to confidence. I’m not sure he’s going to play. He’s had enough opportunities to play, more than the other younger players.
“Arsenal’s big name players haven’t been playing for the last six weeks and this is the problem Arteta has had.
“[Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang scored the other day, but didn’t really seem to score. His body language hasn’t been great, Nicolas Pepe doesn’t even start all the time and Willian seems to be carrying him. “
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