Mikel Arteta: Arsenal receive injury boost as ‘Partey should be part of the squad’ against Sheffield United

After Arsenal emerged victorious against Newcastle United last Saturday, Mikel Arteta addressed the media on Thursday afternoon from the Sobha Realty Training Centre as his Gunners side prepare to face Sheffield United on Monday night.

The Spaniard began by touching on some injury news, with Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko both potentially being available for the game at Bramall Lane. Partey has been absent for Arsenal since October 2023, last playing in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, where the Gunners came from behind to get a point from a two-goal deficit.

Arteta also provided updates on Jurrien Timber, Jorginho and Takehiro Tomiyasu, explaining that ‘Thomas [Partey] had a session before the last game, and now he’s done two or three consecutive sessions, so he should be part of the squad on Monday.’

‘[Timber, Joriginho and Tomiyasu], it’s possible they could be part of the squad, but we have to wait and see, especially until the last two sessions that we have on Saturday and Sunday and if that’s the case then they might be available on Monday.’

Former Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus returned to the squad on Saturday afternoon, but didn’t participate at the Emirates. Gunners fans will be eagerly anticipating a return from the Brazilian, with a crucial part of the season coming up. Arteta commented on the centre forward, explaining that ‘he’s fit enough, how long he can last is something different, but we didn’t want to take any risks.’

Arteta was asked to comment on his opponents, Sheffield United – a side also desperate for points. The Blades fell just short at Molineux last Sunday, with Pablo Sarabia’s goal the difference. The Premier League newcomers were unlucky not to pick up something from the clash, and Arteta praised the difficulty of the side and the efforts of Chris Wilder.

‘They’re a really difficult team to beat. I’ve watched four or five of their games, with the way they started against [Manchester] City and against [Aston] Villa, then obviously the game took a different route.’

‘They are extremely well coached, I know Chris [Wilder] really well, and I admire a lot of things his team does. With them, it will be Monday night football, and it’s going to be a tough night.’

Jakub Kiwior has had to adapt to a new role in the Arsenal team since his return to the matchday squad, and Arteta admired the way the Polish defender has taken on the responsibility. The 24-year-old capped off a great performance on Saturday’s win with a goal, glancing in from Declan Rice’s cross to grab Arsenal’s fourth.

‘We made a decision to bring him in earlier. We have made it difficult for him for two reasons because he’s barely played and because we put him in a position where he’s never played before. I think he’s adapted really well, and I think he’s playing better and better. You can tell he’s earning confidence and physically is better. He understands the role much better, and he’s been really good.’

Arsenal face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday evening, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 GMT.