'He has to earn the right to play' - Mikel Arteta on Thomas Partey

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Arsenal substitutes (L) Gabriel Jesus and (R) Thomas Partey the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on March 04, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta says Thomas Partey will need to prove he deserves to be given minutes following his return from injury.

The Ghana international made his first appearance in over four months on Monday evening as the Gunners claimed a 6-0 win over Sheffield United.

Partey had not played since featuring for Ghana in the international friendlies against Mexico and the United States of America in October 2023.

In the period where he was absent, Arteta's side has been in great form across all competitions with Jordginho coming into the midfield to partner Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Arteta, despite being happy with the player's return, believes the Ghanaian must earn his minutes.

"Thomas is available now to play a certain amount of minutes and he needs to build that," said the Arsenal manager.

"It was his first minutes after four months and like everybody you have to earn the right to play the minutes."

The 30-year-old has now managed just six appearances across all competitions this season for the North London side.

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Thomas Partey