Thomas Partey has been involved in training this week as he edges closer to a return and could return against Newcastle next weekend in the FA Cup.

You might remember (or choose to forget) that Partey was risked against Spurs despite (it now appears) not being fully fit following a back injury. He picked up the original injury during our painful 3-0 home defeat by Aston Villa back in November.

He aggravated the injury and collapsed on the pitch during our 2-0 defeat at Spurs – leading to Spurs second goal on the stroke of half time, and has been out ever since. Amazingly, Partey has only played six times for us since his deadline day signing.

It looks like he won’t be ready in time to face West Brom tonight and won’t travel to the game according to Football.London. It appears, however, that he could be ready for our FA Cup third-round game against Newcastle next weekend as we begin the defence of the FA Cup.

When asked if Partey was ready to play against West Brom, Mikel Arteta replied:

“Not yet, he hasn’t started to train with us yet so I think he’s a few more days away…”

The game tonight could be our third win on the trot should we manage to win it, both wins (Chelsea at home, and Brighton away) were achieved without Willian and David Luiz… who are both expected to return after short illnesses…

Will just leave that one there I think.