Arsenal handed Thomas Partey injury boost as Gabriel Jesus steps up return bid

Key midfielder could return this weekend, while Brazilian continues to increase training workload

Arsenal could be boosted by the return of Thomas Partey for Saturday’s trip to Leicester.

The midfielder missed the last two games with a thigh issue but has been able to take part in some training this week.

Partey will be assessed by Arsenal again after training on Friday but manager Mikel Arteta hopes he will be in the squad to face Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

“He hasn’t trained much but looks like he could be available,” said Arteta at Friday’s pre-match press conference. “Let’s see how he goes today.

“We’ve missed him in the past few games and hopefully he’ll be back.”

Arsenal are desperate to have both Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey back from injury
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal head to 14th-placed Leicester looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are currently two points clear of Manchester City at the summit, with a game in hand. Reigning champions City are also in action on Saturday when they travel to play relegation battlers Bournemouth in the 5:30pm kick-off.

Arsenal will remain without Gabriel Jesus against Leicester, but Arteta insists he is making great progress in his recovery from knee surgery undergone after the World Cup in December.

“He’s progressing well,” Arteta said. “Doing more and more on the field. The knee’s not reacting so it’s really positive.

“We want him back as quick as possible, but also respecting the timescale that the doctors and the specialists are giving us.”

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