By Joe Ellis

9th Sep, 2022 | 10:17am

Thomas Partey set to return for Arsenal ahead of Everton clash

Everton are due to head for the capital on Sunday to take on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal who may have Thomas Partey back fit, according to The Mirror.

The table-topping Gunners, who tasted defeat for the first time this season away at Manchester United last weekend, have been without the Ghanaian international for the last few games through injury.

But he is now on the verge of returning to action and could jump straight back into the starting lineup against Everton at The Emirates in place of Albert Sambi Lokonga.

It’s not all rosy for Arsenal, however, with Emile Smith-Rowe now a doubt for the clash after picking up a knock in training after his cameo appearance at Old Trafford in defeat.

Fellow English youngster Reiss Nelson is also still on the treatment table after an early setback against Leicester City last month but Partey’s return will be all Arteta is concerned about.

Classic

It is just typical Everton luck for a team’s regular player to get back fit just before they take on the Toffees and it has happened yet again here.

The only good thing is that Partey is an outside chance of being a starter which could indicate that Arteta may not risk him for a full game against Lampard’s men.

Lokonga may be asked to fill in once again on Sunday but his performance at Old Trafford was disappointing and United were able to exploit him with runs from deep.

Amadou Onana and the rest of the midfield contingent have to be looking at how Erik Ten Hag picked apart the Gunners and try to emulate that.

Neal Maupay and his fellow attackers will need to be just as clinical as the Red Devils too because chances will come for the home side at some point and a lead would be relaxing to have by then.