By: Nana Kwame Bediako
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has been declared fit by Arsenal’s head coach Mikel Arteta to participate in their upcoming Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, October 19.
Partey, who has been recovering from an injury, was initially included in Ghana’s squad for the October international break. However, he opted out as a precautionary measure to ensure his full recovery.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, addressing the media on Friday, October 18, confirmed Partey’s readiness to rejoin the team. Arteta expressed optimism about Partey’s fitness.
“Thomas Partey is fit and ready. For Gabriel Martinelli, same as Havertz; we will decide today.”
Arteta also provided updates on other injured players, mentioning that Ben White, Timber, and Zinchenko are nearing recovery, with hopes for positive news soon.
Partey’s absence from the Ghana national team was felt during their recent matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Black Stars struggled without their midfield stalwart, resulting in a goalless draw and a 2-0 defeat against Sudan. These results have left Ghana in a challenging position as they strive to secure qualification for the tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco next year.
The decision for Partey to withdraw from the international fixtures was a strategic move to prevent further injury complications. His return to club football is timely for Arsenal, who are keen to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League. Partey’s presence is expected to bolster the team’s midfield strength, providing a much-needed boost as they face AFC Bournemouth.
