IT could be a crucial seven days for Arsenal with an upcoming double header chance to strengthen their title chances – and anything less than the maximum six points from matches against teams in the lower half of the table will be seen as a dent and a disappointment.

For this reason, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keeping a close watch on central midfielder Thomas Partey who has missed the last two matches with a thigh injury. There had been confidence that he might be able to return to the matchday squad for this weekend’s trip to Leicester City – the 2016 Premier League champions who have recovered from a relegation threatened start to this year’s season.

But the 29-year-old, who has enjoyed his best season with the Gunners and shown why there was such a desire to bring him to the Emirates Stadium from Atletico Madrid in the first place, may now have to wait a few more days on the sidelines with next week’s home match against Everton looking more definite for a return to action.

While there is confidence he could play some role at the King Power Stadium, Gunners staff are wary about risking him for a full 90 minutes.

Arteta now has Jorginho to call on and the January from signing from Chelsea has shown he is ready to fight for a regular place in the title run-in. The Italian was instrumental in the last gasp dramatics which secured a win at Aston Villa last Saturday.

Arsenal know they cannot afford another slip up against the Toffees following their defeat at Goodison Park earlier this month. This is the fixture that is the ‘game in hand’ that the Gunners hold over chasers Manchester City.

Arguably, the points are even more important now Manchester United have shuffled their way into the race for the trophy and are ready to pounce if the top two slip up.

Partey has suffered an injury-hit time at Arsenal but has been praised for his partnership with the reborn Granit Xhaka in the midfield. Mohamed Elneny is out for the season and Arteta allowed another option, Albert Sambi Lokonga, to join Crystal Palace on the loan after he struggled to make an impression in a red and white shirt since being brought in from Anderlecht as a prospect signing.