Arteta outlines Partey hope as Arsenal star set to return against Crystal Palace
Mikel Arteta is confident that Thomas Partey can have a huge impact at Arsenal citing his ability to make his team-mates better.
The midfielder was signed on deadline day but has barely featured with injuries keeping him out.
Yet in the time Partey has been on the pitch he has looked a class act and came in for huge praise following Arsenal's win at Manchester United earlier this season.
The Ghanaian's absence coincided with a poor run of form for the Gunners, but they have since rediscovered that winning feeling.
They take on Crystal Palace next eyeing a fifth straight win in all competitions.
And Arteta is hoping that Partey, who is in contention to return, will lift his team-mates having seen him in training.
He said: "Absolutely and because obviously we are able to watch him in training.
"And who he is as well. I think he's got a different presence. I think he brings something different to the team.
"It's not just about his talent it's not, about his physicality, it's who he is as a person. He makes players better around him and that's a big quality.
"It's incredible that we are in January, we signed him in the summer and we only played him twice. So, we haven't really seen the impact that we believe he could have on the team.
"Obviously, we have missed him. On the other hand we've seen players stepping in as well. When that happens they give us some really positive news as well.
"But I think it's going to be a big bonus if we can keep him fit."
Arteta has been dealt an injury blow in the form of Gabriel Martinelli however.
The striker was injured in the warm-up at the weekend but is expected back in training soon.
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