Thomas Partey has only managed four top-flight appearances this term (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal star Thomas Partey is set to make his return from injury in a major boost for Mikel Arteta, according to reports.
Partey was a key player in Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge last season but has only managed four top-flight appearances this term due to fitness issues.
Arteta recently admitted losing Partey was a ‘huge blow’ and that he was forced to abandon ‘plans’ over the 30-year-old to make Arsenal more ‘unpredictable’.
The Ghana international midfielder has not featured since October but is finally preparing to make his long-awaited comeback, the Daily Mail have reported.
Arsenal are currently on a mid-season break – where Partey has been accelerating his recovery – and it is thought that he could return in time to face Nottingham Forest on January 30.
News of Partey’s comeback is a boost for the north Londoners, who have lost their last three games in a row across all competitions.
The Gunners, tipped by many to lift this season’s Premier League trophy, have picked up just one win in their last five top-flight games, dropping to fourth.
Mikel Arteta’s side have dropped to fourth in the Premier League table (Picture: Getty)
More: Trending
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly trying to offload Eddie Nkeitah to raise funds for their No.1 target in the January transfer window, Ivan Toney.
Nketiah has produced five goals and three assists across 19 top-flight matches this term but many pundits have questioned his ability, with Arteta forced to defend his player in November.
Arsenal must offload some players if they are to bring in new faces with Brentford having set a new asking price of £100m for Toney as they look to try and keep their biggest star at the Gtech Community Stadium.
MORE : Alan Shearer and Micah Richards urge Arsenal to sign Chelsea target ahead of Ivan Toney
MORE : Chris Sutton names Arsenal star who has ‘no future’ under Mikel Arteta