Mikel Arteta maintains that Thomas Partey was not ruled out from injury earlier in the season and believes Arsenal will see the best of the summer signing.
Partey joined Atletico Madrid on a transfer deadline day in October after the Gunners promoted his release clause.
The Ghana international has struggled with injuries since moving to north London and Arteta’s side are lamenting 10th place in the Premier League – 12 points off the top four – ahead of the derby war Sunday at home to Tottenham.
Partey has started just 12 games, one of which was the 2-0 loss at Spurs in December.
It was his first game back from injury and lasted just 47 minutes before going out and missing the following month, with Arteta continuing to defend the decision for Partey played in that game.
When asked if it was a mistake to bring Partey back so quickly, Arteta replied: “No, because he ticked every box to be able to play in that game.
“After each injury there is a risk for a period of time, whether it is five days, a week, two weeks or three weeks depending on the load the player is exposed to.
“But it was a very special act where he just went over the place going to the floor and grabbed his leg and then he felt it again. Before the game you can not know that that is the way.
“It would be easy to say, ‘Yes, we made a mistake’, but who would have known if he had played the next game or if he had come off the bench and played 30 minutes instead? ”
Partey spoke to the media ahead of Arsenal’s 3-1 Europa League victory over Olympiacos on Thursday and said he felt the club’s fans had not seen the best because of his fitness issues.
Arteta agreed with his midfielder, but he feels that Partey will not be so soon.
“I think so,” he replied when asked if Partey was close to his best.
“Rhythm-wise has struggled a bit in the last few weeks with not getting enough training sessions or enough preparation because the league is so critical.
“But you can see his quality, you can see his presence and the special qualities that he brings to the team when he is on the pitch.
“I think it’s just a matter of playing more games, getting some chemistry and understanding with his teammates and becoming as fit as he can.”