Thomas Partey could be ready for the trip to Leicester

ARSENAL fans may have seemed unsure about the arrival of Jorginho from Chelsea during the January transfer window but first impressions on the pitch have been far more favourable.

A match-winning strike at Aston Villa, even if it is classed as own goal off hapless goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s head, only added to the warmth already being felt by the Gunners faithful.

But the Italian found his way into the starting eleven due to an injury to Thomas Partey, who has bossed the central area for Gunners manager Mikel Arteta all season.

And Partey may now be declared fit for the trip to Leicester City on Saturday. If still not considered 100 per cent for that game, he will be ready for next week’s midweek home game against Everton. Both matches will be seen as fixtures where Arsenal have the chance to strengthen their lead at the top of the table, even if the Toffees recorded a deserved win at Goodison Park earlier this month.

This all leaves Arteta with some thinking, as it will be unlikely that he can accommodate Jorginho, Partey and one of his favourite starters, Granit Xhaka, in the same team.

Partey, whose time at Arsenal has been disrupted by several injuries, has missed two matches with a thigh issue and it is understood he did not train yesterday (Monday) with the rest of the squad.

Meanwhile, striker Gabriel Jesus, who was crocked during his time at the World Cup in December, is looking at a return in March, but despite encouraging signs in relation to his recovery, Arteta is keen not to rush him back before he is ready. Jesus was a revelation in the early stages of the season after moving from champions Manchester City last summer.