Arsenal have been handed a huge injury boost as they look to prepare for their upcoming pre-season schedule.
According to an update from Goal’s Charles Watts, the progress of long-term absentees Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney is looking promising.
Whilst speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts confirmed that Partey is already back to full fitness and will definitely look to play a part in the upcoming schedule.
There are still question marks around Tierney, who after over two months on the sidelines will be protected at all costs as he aims to make a steady return.
It’s a hugely positive update for Mikel Arteta as he looks to head into pre-season with a fully fit squad alongside a number of new names following a busy time in the transfer window.
Arsenal players start returning to training at London Colney on Monday 27th June as things get going from the following Friday 8th July with an away trip to FC Nurnberg.
Less than a week later, Arsenal touch down in the States for a triple header against Everton, Orlando City and Chelsea between the 16th and 23rd July.
That busy schedule will require a big squad and the news of two first-team regulars returning to training will be music to the ears of many supporters.
We’ve managed to see an Arsenal side without both of these players included since early April and whilst not directly linked to their absence, form dropped immediately.
A makeshift full-back rotation of Cedrid Soares and Takehiro Tomiyasu was required to deal with the issues, with Nuno Tavares struggling to find some form in his debut season.
Meanwhile it wasn’t easy in the centre of midfield either, with Albert Sambi Lokonga failing to replicate the quality of Partey, someone who has made the central midfield position his own.
It remains to be seen how Partey and Tierney will be reintegrated with the squad, but with a packed season including Europa League fixtures, the one thing we can be sure of is things will be taken slow and steady.