Everton boost as Thomas Partey ruled out for Arsenal ahead of Premier League clash
Everton have been handed a boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday 17 September with Thomas Partey ruled out for at least six weeks.
According to Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel, taking to his personal Twitter account (4 September), the Gunners hope to have Partey back after the international break in October after suffering a groin/thigh injury.
The Ghanaian international missed the 3-1 win over Manchester United and was expected to return for the post-international clash at Goodison Park on 17 September, but is now set to miss at least six Premier League games.
Difficult but pivotal test
Everton will have been encouraged by their 2-2 draw against Sheffield United on Saturday, but it was a game they could so easily have won had they taken their chances at Bramall Lane.
It’s an issue that has plagued the club for a long while and has reared its ugly head again this season with their two goals at the weekend the first and second of the campaign after four games.
The international break will certainly provide Sean Dyche with a chance to address those burning issues in attack and the former Burnley boss will be quaking in his boots at the sight of Arsenal coming to town, fresh from their impressive win over Manchester United.
It’s certainly good news for Everton that Partey, who was expected to return for the game will now miss the game but Arsenal still have so much quality in his absence to hurt the Toffees.
It’s an incredibly challenging game for Dyche and his men and one which Arsenal will be expected to pick up the three points.
But, Everton aren’t strangers to throwing spanners in the works when the Gunners come to town as they found out last season in February and also the season before last under Rafa Benitez.
The Toffees need to start picking up points now and a win over Arsenal after the international break will provide a stunning and much-needed confidence boost to kickstart their campaign.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have seemingly put their foot down on a potential crucial player exit as Sky Sports reporter Alan Myers shares a transfer update.