Press conference

The latest update on Partey and Holding’s fitness

As we prepare for our  Europa League last-32 second-leg game against Benfica in Athens, there are question marks over the fitness of two of our players.

So what is the latest on Thomas Partey’s recovery from a hamstring injury and the head blow that Rob Holding received against Manchester City?

“Thomas is very close,” Mikel Arteta said. “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.”