Arsenal will have to make do without Rob Holding as they travel to Athens to face Benfica - but Thomas Partey has a big chance to return to the fold, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
"Thomas is very close," Mikel Arteta told Arsenal.com. "He's got a final test today in training. If he's feeling good, he will be available to play the match.
"Regarding Rob, he's not available. He had a concussion, we tested him and he's completely fine but obviously now we need to follow the protocols and he won't be able to travel."
Holding got a blow to the head this weekend as he slid in to stop Joao Cancelo from going through on goal: the Englishman went off as a concussion sub and we are not surprised he won't face Benfica just 4 days after the incident.
Thomas Partey picked up a hamstring injury vs Aston Villa on February 6 and has been out of action since. His return is a welcome boost, especially if he makes it in time for our most important game this season.
