Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says the team is in desperate need to have Thomas Partey healthy as the Ghanaian makes them better.

Partey is edging closer to returning to playing competitive football once again after being out since October.

The Ghanaian midfielder has been out of action since representing Ghana during the October international window where he played in games against Mexico and the United States of America.

This season, Partey has missed 21 games across all competitions. He has only made five appearances this campaign, four in the Premier League and the other coming in the FA Community Shield.

Partey has started team training with the rest of the Arsenal squad and Arteta says he can't wait to have the Ghanaian fully available.

"He always looks strong and very good. That’s not the issue, it’s that we need him," said the Arsenal manager.

"And we need him fit and available because he makes us better.

"We are better when Thomas is in the team."

Arsenal face Nottingham Forest later on Tuesday on their return to Premier League football.