Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has affirmed that Thomas Partey is "pushing" to start in Saturday's Premier League clash with Burnley.

The former Atletico Madrid midfielder has been blighted by injuries since joining the club last year and spent a few weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury sustained in pre-season against Chelsea.

Partey was fit enough to come off the bench in last weekend's 1-0 win over Norwich City, but Arteta has insisted that the club must continue to be cautious over the midfielder's fitness.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's game, Arteta said: "He has been training in and out this week. His load had to be managed because he was in the early stages of the injury.

"He is pushing everybody as he always does and he wants to be involved, so we will make the decision at the weekend what is best for him."

Arteta was also asked about another injury-prone midfielder in Jack Wilshere during his press conference, but the Gunners boss ruled out the prospect of the 29-year-old playing for the club again. body check tags ::