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To say that Mykhaylo Mudryk hasn’t exactly had the best start to life in a Chelsea shirt would be quite the understatement. Joining the London club for a reported £89m in January, the winger failed to score a single Premier League goal last season.The Ukraine international, given the fee that was paid, was meant to turn the Blues’ season around, who endured one of their worst campaigns in Premier League history. As it turns out, however, throwing money at a problem created by money did not solve the issues at Stamford Bridge.With a fresh start to impress under Mauricio Pochettino, Mudryk has wasted no time in getting to work, joining up with Ukraine U21s for the European Championship in search of a confidence boost. And he seems to have got exactly that, leaving many fans impressed.

What’s the latest on Mykhaylo Mudryk?

Joining up with Ukraine U21s at the Euros, Mudryk and his side have enjoyed quite the tournament, reaching the semi-finals, by defeating a strong France side in the last round, winning 3-1.

It is the type of competition that should do wonders for the Chelsea winger’s confidence heading into pre-season under Pochettino. And if the Blues can unlock the man they initially paid close a mammoth £88.5m for, then they’ll have themselves a key man in the frontline.

Prior to making the move to the Premier League, the 22-year-old had tallied up 18 goal involvements, with 10 goals and eight assists, so this is a player more than capable of finding the back of the net. It may well just be down to confidence.

He certainly showed what he is capable of for his country recently, too, as shown by a YouTube compilation which includes highlights of his outstanding efforts against France:

Chelsea fans left impressed by Mudryk assist

Mudryk’s performance against France was particularly improved compared to his Chelsea displays – as he won a penalty and picked up an assist with a brilliant lofted through ball – leaving many fans in awe of the potential player they have on their hands.

The hope will be that the winger takes his display against the French onto the U21 Euros semi-final against Spain, where he will look to take his side one more step to the final.

It would be some performance if the underdogs managed to reach the final up against a tough Spain side, but given Mudryk’s ability when on top form, anything is possible.

Mudryk’s assist – a long through ball – against France left many Chelsea fans singing his praise. You can see the assist shared on Twitter and how fans reacted below:

علّق ميكيل أرتيتا، المدير الفني لفريق آرسنال، على فوزهم الصعب في مباراة اليوم أمام برينتفورد في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتلاقى الفريقان في إطار منافسات الجولة الثامنة والعشرين من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث فاز آرسنال بهدفين مقابل هدف (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وصعد آرسنال، بعد ذلك الفوز، إلى الصدارة بشكل مؤقت لحين خوض ليفربول مباراته غدًا ضد مانشستر سيتي في الجولة نفسها.

وقال أرتيتا في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “أنا راضِ حقًا عن الأداء والنتيجة بشكل واضح، والطريقة التي حققنها بها هذا الفوز”.

وأضاف: “لقد كانت المباراة ضد فريق يتطلب الكثير من السيطرة من الناحية الذهنية، وقد فعلنا ذلك بطريقة رائعة، أظهرنا الشجاعة وحصلنا على المكافأة”.

وواصل: “عندما كانت النتيجة 1-0، كان من الممكن أن تكون مباراة مختلفة تمامًا، لكن مع الهدف الذي استقبلناه، كان علينا أن نلعب تلك المباراة، لكن في النهاية كنا نستحق الفوز”.

وأردف: “هذا هو الشيء الجميل في هذا الملعب، الجمهور يدعمنا حتى مع ارتكابنا الأخطاء، كان لدينا بعض الأشياء التي كان علينا التغلب عليها، وكنا سنفعل ذلك وكنا نؤمن تمامًا أننا سنفعل ذلك”.

وعندما سُئل عما إذا كانت الصدارة حاليًا هي الأفضل للفوز، أجاب: “طريقة الفوز بنسبة 100 %، الروح التي أظهرناها، غدًا سيكون يومًا عظيمًا لمشاهدة بعض المباريات الرائعة (ليفربول ومانشستر سيتي)”.

واستمر: “الأمر ليس في يدي، إنه لمن دواعي سروري أن أكون جزءًا من هذا الدوري ويسعدني أن أكون جزءًا من شيء مميز نحاول تحقيقه، عليك الفوز في كل مباراة بمستوى مانشستر سيتي وليفربول”.

وفيما يتعلق بخطأ الحارس آرون رامسديل والذي تسبب في هدف التعادل للخصم، أجاب: “الأخطاء جزء من كرة القدم، رد الفعل أمر بالغ الأهمية وقد فعل ذلك بطريقة رائعة، أردنا حقًا الفوز لصالح آرون، ونحن سعداء جدًا”.

Dolphins allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo has been ruled out of the rest of the CSA T20 Challenge after suffering a groin injury during the game against Warriors on November 13

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Nov-2016

Dolphins allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo has been ruled out of the rest of the CSA T20 Challenge after suffering a groin injury during the game against Warriors on November 13. He is expected to be out of action for four to six weeks.Bowling the final delivery of his second over in the game, Phehlukwayo was struck by a shot from JJ Smuts. He had taken 2 for 3 in 1.5 overs before the injury. Phehlukwayo left the field immediately and saw a urologist. He underwent surgery on November 15.”As a team we’re obviously very concerned for him and just want him to take good care of his body and get better so that he’s got a chance to come back and fire for us, for South Africa, and continue a great career,” Dolphins coach Grant Morgan said. “We obviously weren’t happy with our performance against the Warriors on Sunday but Andile was one of our stars in that game; he came in and bust the game open while bowling and hit a great six with the bat and he’s a warrior for us.”From a team point of view, we’ve dedicated our game tonight (Wednesday) against the Lions to him and our attitude is for him and he must be happy with what he while watching on television.”Phehlukwayo, 20, had made his international debut in September and played six ODIs against Ireland and Australia.

Arsenal are eyeing a summer move for Leicester City's James Maddison, with the midfielder now set to leave, according to a report from The Mirror.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Arsenal have set their sights on strengthening their midfield this summer, and Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has now claimed that Declan Rice could join "immediately", despite Bayern Munich making a late push for the West Ham United star.

Rice could replace Granit Xhaka, who is expected to complete a move to Bayer Leverkusen soon, but the 24-year-old is not their only midfield target, as they have an interest in Chelsea's Mason Mount, as well as Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth outlines Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo as another option for the Gunners, while they are also keen on strengthening in more advanced areas, with Maddison emerging as a potential target.

According to a report from The Mirror, Arsenal are eyeing up a move for the Leicester City star, but they will face fierce competition for his signature, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also being named as potential suitors.

Given that he only has a year remaining on his contract, Leicester may be forced to sell the Englishman for around £40m, although they are hoping that a bidding war will drive his price up to around £50m.

The Foxes are set to lose the 26-year-old following their relegation from the Premier League, and the Emirates Stadium is a potential destination, but Arsenal's number one target is Rice.

Should Arsenal sign James Maddison?

Hailed as "wonderful" by members of the media, the attacking midfielder impressed in a very poor Leicester side during the 2022-23 campaign, picking up nine assists in the Premier League, the joint-seventh highest amount in the division.

Not only that, the England international also showed a keen eye for goal, scoring ten times in 30 league appearances, displaying his versatility by playing through the middle and on both wings.

Given that Mikel Arteta already has the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka at his disposal, it may be difficult for Maddison to force his way into the team, but his ability to play in multiple positions should mean that he is able to receive regular game time.

With Arsenal heading into the Champions League next season, it is vital that they have top-quality back-up options, and the £110k-per-week star's attacking threat and versatility means he could tick plenty of boxes in north London.

Aston Villa have been linked to a fellow Premier League ace ahead of the summer transfer window, as Unai Emery aims to improve his squad.

The Spaniard has introduced joy that not many could have predicted since arriving in the Midlands in October, and with European football confirmed next campaign, the only way is up.

While Villa’s achievements have been rightly lauded, the club will reportedly look to bolster the squad this summer, as relayed by Emery reportedly being handed a £150m kitty.

With quality comes a price, and the four-time Europa League winner could find a significant midfield upgrade in a certain Premier League-winning star.

What’s the latest on Kalvin Phillips to Aston Villa?

As reported by Football Insider earlier this week, Aston Villa are “not put off” by Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips’ desire to remain at the club.

The site reported the initial news of Villa’s interest in the 27-year-old back in April, and have claimed that the Englishman remains a “key midfield target”.

The report suggests that despite his desire to stay, the former Leeds United man may still be sold by the champions with concerns about whether he will fit into Pep Guardiola’s style of play.

What could Kalvin Phillips bring to Aston Villa?

After signing for City last summer for a reported £45m, the midfielder anticipated that his game time was not guaranteed, despite being a top performer for Leeds that prompted the big-money move.

Almost a year down the line and the Englishman has made just two starts for the Sky Blues, with them both coming on occasions after City had won the Premier League title, showing the midfielder’s placement in the exemplary squad.

While the 27-year-old’s worth in comparison to Rodri is incomparable to Guardiola, the Leeds-born gem has a quality that could be exemplary to a squad less flawless than that on show at the Etihad.

The midfielder is in a critical stage of his career, where game time is essential and where there is interest should be an opportunity to either prove his talent to Guardiola elsewhere or find a club more suitable for his situation.

Villa would be a perfect place for the potential £35m man to find his form, in a midfield with a licence for freedom under Emery.

While John McGinn has been a revelation for Villa in midfield, the Scotsman could be forced to the sidelines in order to accommodate the potential arrival of Phillips.

Comparing the 28-year-old’s numbers this season to the City midfielder’s in his final year at Leeds reveals the step-up that Emery could discover if the deal was to pull through this summer.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Phillips showcased his talents at Elland Road to the Premier League, excelling in deep midfield as highlighted by his monstrous averages of 3.05 tackles, 1.35 interceptions and 2.09 blocks per 90 – as per FBref.

In comparison, when playing in central midfield, McGinn averages 2.21 tackles, 0.80 interceptions and 1.33 blocks per 90, showing the levels that the “phenomenal” Yorkshireman – as per Fabio Capello – can produce.

Emery will face a battle in luring Phillips away from City, with the player evidently keen to continue to push for game time, however, there is little to doubt just what the Spaniard could retrieve from the Englishman at Villa Park.

A trio of teenage pace bowlers have been handed England Lions places for the one-day tri-series against Pakistan A and Sri Lanka A. Lancashire’ Saqib Mahmood, Sussex’s George Garton and Sam Curran of Surrey are part of the 13-man squad which will be captained by Dawid Malan.The trio, part of the England’s Under-19 World Cup squad in Bangladesh earlier this year, are joined in the pace-bowling options by the slightly more senior pair of Tom Curran and Jamie Overton. Sam Curran will join the squad midway through the series so that he is available for Surrey’s Championship match against Hampshire.Worcestershire provide two batsmen in Joe Clarke, who has scored three Championship hundreds this season including a match-winning one against Leicestershire this week, and Brett D’Oliveira, who is also averaging over 50 in the Championship.Liam Livingstone, the hard-hitting Lancashire batsman, has been called-up alongside Northamptonshire’s Ben Duckett and Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond.Malan, who was in England’s T20 squad for the match against Sri Lanka but did not get capped, is joined by two players who have played for England in the Hampshire allrounder Liam Dawson, who took three wickets on debut against Sri Lanka, and Sam Billings.The Lions call-ups mean the players will be unavailable for their counties at a time when teams are pushing for knockout places in the Royal London Cup and T20 Blast, but the selectors have done their best to ease disruption and players will be released for T20 Blast matches July 22 which is a day when Pakistan A play Sri Lanka A.”There is a balance of players who have represented the Lions before, with a few new faces for the future who we feel will benefit from the experience of and exposure to Lions cricket,” James Whitaker, the national selector, said. “We also had to be respectful to the counties who have important domestic fixtures, while again balancing that with our own competitiveness, and making sure we can perform well.”Andy Flower, who will be head coach, said: “It is important for the Lions to play home matches in the summer as well as touring during the winter for a number of reasons, and we are grateful to the counties for recognising that if we are going to reap the benefits of playing abroad in the winter, we have to offer the equivalent opportunity to the developing cricketers of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.””We’ve had quite a large transition from last winter’s Lions squad to the national side, and that means we will have a much younger group. That is going to make this a challenging series against some experienced cricketers from Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but it will provide a great opportunity for our young players to test themselves.”The series starts with Pakistan A facing Sri Lanka A at Cheltenham on July 18 before England play their first match against Pakistan A the following day. Northamptonshire then host two matches on July 21 and 22 before the series concludes in Canterbury on July 24 and 25.

Anil Kumble, India’s new head coach, has acknowledged the influence of his predecessors John Wright and Gary Kirsten, and expects to adopt their low-visibility style and remain mostly behind the scenes

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-20161:30

Anil Kumble’s journey from player to coach

Anil Kumble, India’s new head coach, has acknowledged the influence of his predecessors John Wright and Gary Kirsten, and expects to adopt their low-visibility style and remain mostly behind the scenes. Wright was India’s head coach from 2000 to 2005, and was head coach at Mumbai Indians in 2013-14, when Kumble served as the team’s mentor. Kirsten was India’s head coach from 2008 – Kumble’s last year as a Test cricketer – to 2011.”I played a lot under John Wright, he’s been a great influence on how I’ll go about [the role], in terms of being in the background,” Kumble told . “When I became a mentor for Mumbai Indians, I brought John in because he understood a lot about Indian culture and then the way coaches work. So I’ll pick his brain.”I was involved with Gary Kirsten only for the Test matches, a very short period. He was, again, someone who worked in the background and didn’t make himself visible. Exactly how I’d like to work as well. Not in the front, but behind the scenes.”As a bowler, Kumble combined a cerebral approach with a willingness to keep pounding in for long spells no matter what the match situation. Accordingly, he said his coaching style would have “a bit of everything”, giving data its due while trying to strengthen his players’ response to adversity.”Data is important when you have to devise strategies and man-management is extremely crucial,” he said. “You need the team environment to be consistent and healthy, but also competitive. That is something I would look to have in the team.”The team comes first, the coaches play the background role, you are just trying to prepare the team for the best of their ability, for all conditions and all eventualities. You can’t really plan for adversity, but to try to prepare the team to handle those adversities. That’s exactly what we’ll try and address.”Kumble said he wanted to “build leaders” in his playing group, and said his coaching would have to deal as much with off-field as with on-field issues.”[It is] important as a coach to take the burden off the captain,” he said. “Captain has a lot of things on his head, all cricketing decisions and non-cricketing as well. When I was captain I realised that it’s not just taking decisions on the field but off it as well. Those are quite stressful.”Having been with the Indian team for such a long time and having had various experiences of not just conditions, but outside the cricket field, when you’re a coach, you’re not just coach on the field but also off it. You’re trying to build personalities, trying to build leaders. That’s how I’d like to look at this team. There is some wonderful talent, you need to make leaders out of them, try and understand what ticks them. It’s not a quick fix, you have to understand and then take a call.”Defining his role as that of an “enabler”, Kumble said he would not impose his views on the players.”They are already playing a good brand of cricket,” he said. “I will bring my characteristics as well but won’t impose on them. My job is to convince players to buy into what I believe in and what they believe in. At the end of it, they need to own it. If the team doesn’t own what we agree on, then it’s not going to work. I’m only an enabler. I work as an enabler to make sure things happen.”You need to be tough to play international cricket. It’s not only highs that you will see, you will also see lows. The coach’s role is not only to be a coach during successful periods but to be a coach during tough times.”Kumble said he had already spoken to India’s Test captain Virat Kohli, and looked forward to starting his tenure with a camp in Bangalore, his hometown, ahead of the four-Test tour of West Indies in July-August.”We have the West Indies Test series coming up, so that’s something our focus will be on,” he said. “I’ve spoken to Virat [Kohli] and MS [Dhoni, India’s ODI and T20 captain] must be on the flight back from Zimbabwe. It’s nice to have a camp here in Bengaluru before we tour. We’ll sit down and iron out and get ready for the West Indies tour.”Bowling, getting 20 wickets in Test cricket will win you matches. That’s the focus and we’ll take it from there. Batting, we have some great talent there. I believe this team has the potential. It’s a young team and driven by young leaders. Looking forward to working with Virat and MS. Long-term, we have lots of Tests coming up in India, that’ll be our focus.”Kumble starts his role on a one-year term, and most of India’s Test cricket in that period will be at home. Despite this, Kumble said he would focus on improving their overseas record, and that the process could begin at home itself.”I’m really excited,” he said. “This [overseas record] is something I wanted to commit to. You’ll have lot of time to strategise. The team needs to be really fit to meet the demands of Test cricket. Lot of Tests coming up, the first four are in West Indies where the conditions are not that different to India. But the Indian conditions are where we are comfortable with. Focus will be on our overseas record and the mindset we have to address from home itself. We’ll sit down and make a plan to ensure that we train towards achieving those goals.”Returning to a constantly on-the-road lifestyle was the one major concern Kumble had before he applied for the job; he said he finally decided to go ahead after a “long chat” with his family.”I felt it was the right time for me to get involved. I’m still fit enough to run around. It’s a young team so I believe you have to get your hands dirty, you need to be with the players, train with them, be amongst them. If it was a senior team, you can sit back, strategise and address that. But as a young team, you need to be in the middle and that’s something I can do at this stage.”I had a long chat with the family, 18 years on the road, they’ve taken the stress and the burden. My wife and kids have been really supportive. Not easy travelling again so that was a major decision. Once those two were clear, I put my hat in the ring. The process was great, I felt more comfortable because the three members who were interviewing me were my own team-mates, former colleagues. Process was professional and I enjoyed being a part of it. The presentation that was requested, I made my plan and put a blueprint, a blueprint for others to contribute and make it larger and ensure that all stakeholders own that plan and continue to take Indian cricket forward.”

Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka didn't make a 'great decision' by leaving Aston Villa for Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Carney Chukwuemeka?

Since joining Chelsea from Aston Villa for £20 million last summer, Chukwuemeka has made just 12 appearances for his current employers in all competitions this season, as per Transfermarkt.

As per Metro, Blues caretaker boss Frank Lampard has spoken about the chances of some of his fringe players earning game-time before the end of this term, stating:

"If they deserve it. If they deserve it, for sure. I think there are two things, there is the individual work of showing that you deserve it, I’m fully for that."

Chukwuemeka has also revealed that he struggled to adapt to his surroundings at the beginning of his Chelsea career, as cited by Birmingham Live, saying:

"It was quite difficult at the beginning. Villa was all I knew; I made my debut there. I have a lot to thank them for. I just had to get my head around that I would be playing for the club I support. The transition was tough, but good at the same time."

In other news surrounding the 19-year-old, talkSPORT understands that Chukwuemeka has been asked to switch international allegiances from England to his nation of birth, Austria, with former Manchester United caretaker Ralf Ragnick said to have had a big hand in the proposal.

The midfielder was born in Eisenstadt, Austria to Nigerian parents and moved to Northampton at a young age. He has since played at every youth level for England up until their Under-20 set-up, though he could now be set to turn out for Austria in an unexpected twist.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Chukwuemeka would've been better served continuing his development at Aston Villa instead of moving to Chelsea.

Jones said: "Now, in hindsight, it doesn't look a great decision on a footballing basis because if he was still at Aston Villa, I think he might have got some really good opportunities and actually could have become a big part of the picture there.

"Chelsea, it's going to be difficult. The new pressure that they've got to perform, ever-changing managers. It's a really tough environment for him to come into at the age that he is. He needs opportunities, but he's just not getting them."

Was moving to Chelsea from Aston Villa the right call by Carney Chukwuemeka?

Time will tell, though Chukwuemeka – hailed "magic" by journalist Ashley Preece- hasn't yet had too many opportunities to stake his claim for first-team minutes in west London.

Despite this, Chelsea is a dream destination for youngsters to ply their trade, given their status as an elite club and it's easy to see why the £100k p/w ace moved to Stamford Bridge from Aston Villa.

The Blues beat off serious competition to bring Chukwuemeka in last summer from the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal and Liverpool, showing that he must be highly rated by insiders at Chelsea despite his lack of time on the pitch.

In pre-season, Chukwuemeka will be desperate to show off his capabilities and prove to his next manager that he can be a regular fixture in the side across 2023/24.

Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be appointed at the Bridge and he is a manager renowned for offering youth a chance, so perhaps there could be a light at the end of the tunnel for the midfielder.

The sale of midfielder Tomas Soucek has been named as a way to kickstart a significant rebuild for West Ham in the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the latest on Tomas Soucek leaving West Ham?

According to Football Insider, the Hammers hierarchy are preparing for a “changing of the guard” for their summer plans, which could involve the sale of Soucek.

The 28-year-old only has 14 months left on his current deal and hasn’t agreed to a new contract despite “extensive negotiations.”

This outlet added that alongside the Czech, Arthur Masuaku, Vladimir Coufal, Aaron Cresswell, and Pablo Fornals have been linked with summer exits.

Should West Ham let Soucek depart?

The Irons were predicted another defiant season when the board splashed over £160m last summer to continue their impressive trend of top-half finishes.

In the previous two campaigns, David Moyes had guided his side to sixth and seventh place, and directed a sensational European excursion to the Europa League semi-finals, before being eliminated by the eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt.

But, despite the excessive spending, the East London outfit has experienced a mammoth down-turn in form, where new signings have failed to settle and acclimate, and old stars have looked like a shadow of their former selves.

One player who is a primary offender is Soucek, whose West Ham career has painfully stagnated and been reflected by his abject performances this season.

After signing permanently for the Hammers in 2020, the £65k-per-week star’s physicality and deep runs were an attacking revelation for Moyes, who utilised the 6 foot 4 titan to devastating effect.

The 58-cap international netted 15 goals in 86 league appearances and registered average WhoScored ratings of 7.36 and 6.97 in his first two full seasons in England. However, this year Soucek has only recorded a rating of 6.75 to compound a miserable term for the Hammers that has seen them plummet to 15th in the domestic standings.

The demise of the former Slavia Prague man is perhaps most apparent in his horrendous passing and dribbling statistics. This is showcased by the fact that he pitifully ranks in the bottom 5% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for pass completion and progressive carries, as well as the bottom 6% for progressive carries.

His inability to link attacking sequences, dictate the midfield from deep, or orchestrate any counters has been brutally poor, and he has been described as “absolutely useless” by Irons journalist Alan Rzepa.

When he isn’t scoring, it is hard to pinpoint the value of Soucek’s value in this team and the idea of raising his current salary with an improved contract offer seems an illogical option. Instead, they must finally ditch their misfiring Czech brute.

Journalist Charles Watts has revealed that people close to Thomas Partey believe he will be fit to play for Arsenal this weekend.

What's the latest injury news for Partey and Arsenal?

With just ten games left in the Premier League, the pressure is starting to heat up and the Gunners can ill-afford to lose any key players in the final run-in.

This is why fans may have been fearing the worst when news emerged that Chris Hughton had left Partey out of the most recent Ghana game.

After the match, the international manager explained (via football.london): "Thomas has some small issues, a small injury issue and we felt it was too big of a risk to start him."

Seeing as Arsenal also sent club physio Simon Murphy with the midfielder to monitor his fitness, it may also feel a little ominous.

However, while speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts was at least able to reveal that people close to Partey are feeling quite positive about the situation.

He explained: “My understanding of the situation is that Thomas Partey was training on Sunday ahead of that game against Angola and he felt something in his right leg.

"Now, there are pictures from that training session where you see the physio sort of working on Thomas' leg; he's got some sort of strapping on his thigh around the back of his leg. And my understanding is it is not a hamstring issue.

"That's what I've been told by people close to Thomas Partey. And they believe he will be fine for the weekend. Obviously, that's a very early assessment.

"Partey is due back in London Colney today [Tuesday] where he will be assessed by the Arsenal medical team. And then you think a decision will be taken a little bit later on about whether he can feature against Leeds.”

How important is Partey to Arsenal?

It's safe to say Partey – who earns £200,000 per week – has been one of the most important members of Mikel Arteta's team so far this season.

Indeed, he has actually only lost one game in the Premier League when starting this term – winning all but three of the 23 matches he's featured in – helping Arsenal race to the top of the division with an eight-point gap over Manchester City.

However, he has struggled with numerous injury issues since arriving in north London, missing a series of games due to repeated setbacks – so Arteta won't want to rush him back early for fear of aggravating any minor issue further.