Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shed light on why key midfielder Thomas Partey, along with three other first-team regulars, was left out of the starting XI in Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Everton at Goodison Park.

The Ghanaian international was a notable omission alongside captain Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli. While Ødegaard, Saka, and Martinelli were later introduced in the second half, Partey remained an unused substitute throughout the match.

Speaking after the game, Arteta explained that the changes were precautionary, particularly after Gabriel Magalhães suffered an injury during their previous outing against Fulham.

“There were four players that couldn’t start the game after what happened with Fulham, and obviously the injury of Gabi, so that forces you as well to make some changes,” Arteta said in his post-match interview.

The Spanish tactician emphasized the importance of rotation with a congested fixture list ahead. “Players deserve to play minutes, so I’m very happy with that. Everybody has to be important, has to feel important. They have so many games coming up right now, and we have to rely on all of them.”

Thomas Partey is expected to return to the starting lineup when the Gunners face Real Madrid on Tuesday night in the UEFA Champions League, as Arsenal look to make a statement on the European stage.