Arsenal star could hand Arteta massive injury boost ahead of Leicester clash as hopes revealed

Thomas Partey is hoping to be available for Arsenal's trip to Leicester on Saturday, according to reports.

Partey has missed the Gunners' last two matches due to a thigh injury he sustained before the match against Manchester City, whilst he was absent from training on Monday.

The 29-year-old has played a key role in Arsenal's ascent to the top of the table, as they eye their first domestic league title since 2004.

In his place, new signing Jorginho has started the last two matches.

The Italian became Arsenal's latest hero, scoring the winning goal in their 4-2 victory over Aston Villa to reclaim top spot in the Premier League.

Partey hoping to return against Leicester

However, Gunners fans will be hoping that Partey can return to action against Leicester to help provide some defensive cover.

The Evening Standard claim that Arsenal will "assess Partey this week and continue to be cautious over his involvement", with the timeframe said to be "tight on whether he can be in the squad this weekend."

The report also states that the Gunners "will not rush" Partey back to fitness, with Jorginho easing the pressure on his return.

Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah were also reported to be missing at training on Monday, but it is understood that it was merely a recovery session, with some players working indoors.

Speaking after Arsenal's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, Arteta explained Partey's absence.

"We don't know [how severe]. It's what happens - it's part of football. There are no excuses," the Spaniard said.

"I think Jorginho played a really good game, and we'll have to assess Thomas to see how bad it is. Very late, very, very late [the fitness call on Partey]."

Prior to the match, Arteta revealed the cause of his injury. He told Prime Video: "It's what happens in football, players get injuries. Unfortunately he felt something in his back muscle and he wasn't available to play today.

"We brought [Jorginho] here for these occasions because this was a possibility, and we planned for that."

Elsewhere, Mohamed Elneny remains sidelined with a potentially season-ending knee injury, with some fans wondering whether he had played his last game for the club.

However, the Egyptian agreed a new contract at the Emirates on Tuesday, allowing him to make a full recovery and add to his 155 Arsenal caps.