Arsenal have a ‘very important’ player in their ranks who’s ‘very funny’, says Man City’s Rodri

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been praised by Manchester City counterpart Rodri ahead of the two sides’ Premier League meeting on Sunday.

Partey joined the Gunners last summer from Atletico Madrid and has been a key player for Mikel Arteta’s side.

However, his season hasn’t been smooth sailing due to a number of injury issues, and is currently out with a thigh issue.

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Partey has been training on his own since he picked up the injury against Aston Villa and did not travel with Arsenal for the midweek Europa League tie against Benfica.

It remains to be seen whether the £45million man will feature against Pep Guardiola’s side, which will likely have his former Atleti teammate in their ranks.

“I have good memories of playing with Thomas – we played a lot of games together,” Rodri told Sky Sports. “We controlled the midfield of the team in that season.

“He’s two years older than me, but we’re a similar age and he’s a very funny guy. We had a good friendship so it’s good to see your old team-mates again.

“Let’s see if he’s ready for Sunday, but he will be a very important player for Arsenal.”

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Partey was a much-needed signing for Arsenal, his arrival met with much fanfare by fans and pundits – Paul Merson deemed him an “unbelievable” acquisition.

When on the pitch, the 27-year-old has been superb for the Gunners, but sadly, his season has been hampered by injuries.

The most important thing for Arteta now is to manage Partey’s recovery well and not rush him back in.