Report: Willock among options to replace Partey in Arsenal opening game

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Arsenal ace Thomas Partey is likely to miss the opening games of Arsenal’s Premier League season

What’s the story?

According to football.london, the ‘brilliant‘ Ghanaian’s injury isn’t as bad as first feared following his substitution last Sunday.

Partey went off with an ankle injury during the side’s 2-1 loss at home to Chelsea.

And it’s now been revealed who could form the two-man midfield in the opener versus Brentford.

According to Chris Wheatley, there is a quartet of players in contention. Joe Willock, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka and Albert Lokonga are all options for Mikel Arteta against the Bees.

The £45m ace’s injury news is a bitter blow for the Spaniard after his performances in pre-season.

Willock the best option to replace injury-stricken Partey for Arsenal in opening game

Willock would be the best option for Arsenal in their opening game after the Partey news.

Brentford will start the season on an incredible high as they make their Premier League debut.

Under the Dane, the west Londoners have often played high tempo football, especially at home.

That means there will be plenty of space to exploit in behind the Brentford defence. And who better to exploit it than Arsenal’s best goalscoring midfielder.

With eight goals in 14 games whilst on-loan for Newcastle, Willock has the instinct to push forward and search for a goal.

It means, alongside the more defensive-minded Xhaka, the £30m-rated Englishmanwould thrive if he started the opener.