Arsenal could be set to make changes for their clash with Luton Town today, and one player could be in line for a rare start.
With three huge games in the next six days, coming after a 0-0 draw away at Manchester City, this may be the best opportunity for Mikel Arteta to get his bench players up to speed, and could make some changes to his starting lineup against Luton.
One possible change he could make is in midfield, with Jorginho struggling against Man City, and Arteta could either choose a more attacking option in Emile Smith Rowe or Fabio Vieira, or make a direct swap with Thomas Partey.
Partey has not started a game since August, and has spent most of this season injured, but has stepped up his return with a number of substitute appearances in recent weeks, and could be a useful option for the rest of the season.
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Thomas Partey could replace Jorginho for Arsenal against Luton Town
Speaking on The Arsenal Beat Podcast, journalist Jordan Davies claimed that the Luton game was a good chance for Partey to gain fitness, and Jorginho to rest.
“I’m probably giving Thomas Partey a start. He did look fairly comfortable when he came on at the Etihad, and if anyone needs minutes in this squad, currently, he does,” he stated.
“To get him fully fit and firing would be a massive boost for the end of the season. With Jorginho, we didn’t expect, and Mikel Arteta didn’t expect, for him to play as many games as he’s had to have done this season.
“No one knew how important he would end up being, and he has been battling through a few knocks and bruises and slight injury concerns.
“I would be taking him out and putting Partey in, and also because Partey and Rice haven’t really played together a lot, so it would be good to to see if they get some chemistry going.”
Thomas Partey could gain vital fitness against Luton Town
Having Partey fit for the Champions League clashes with Bayern Munich, as well as the Premier League run-in, could be game-changing for Arteta.
Partey was impressive on the ball against Man City, with his progressive passing leading to a number of good attacking openings, whilst his physicality off the ball could help create an outstanding midfield alongside Declan Rice.
The £200k-a-week star could be set for an exit this summer after his injury struggles, but if he can stay fit for the rest of the campaign, he could still play a part in any success for Arsenal.