I think part of the issue on the likes of him and KT are whats available. If we had some depth you can ride some of this.
Its looking worse this season because the squad is way too small on numbers, before we even rate the talent.
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I get that but now the club has three years of data on Tierney and two on Partey.
Weâve also already tied Xhaka down to an extension, much to my dismay.
Imagine running out a midfield rotation of Partey, Xhaka and Insert Your Preferred Midfielder Here.
Not too bad.
Itâs worth clarifying on this, weâre talking the same area, not the same injury.
Yeah fair too a degree. Just think we will have too roll with this, as we have too much other stuff to cover.
Does not look promising for us for sure right now.
Well we definitely have to roll with it now!
We waited for years to have a top notch midfielder in the team after Santi, finally got one and he canât stay healthy.
I hope he puts it behind him but with a winter WC Iâm not banking on it.
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This is becoming another KT kinda situation with Partey. We need to find/develop someone who can take Parteyâs place going forward cause he cannot be relied up for a whole season. Maybe Lokonga steps up after Mikel inspires him 
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Said this in the summer because Partey was not reliable in any shape or form at that point, his performances were inconsistent and his fitness wasnât great either.
Both seemed better this season, moreso the performances obviously, but Iâd still make sure we have another starting level CM and thatâs even before selling Xhaka. If we sell the prick then iâd probably want another signing.
This is turning into some fucking needs list now. Regardless how you rate some of last summers, we have so much more needs if your adding Partey and KT cover.
Letâs be honest thats more than one window if we try doing that.
I think we are going too have to gamble with these two and hope your Lokonga and Nuno improve over time.
Itâs literally too much investment for us too find.
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But midfielder was already on the list. We just assumed it was someone to replace Xhaka in the XI but in reality that player might have to play most of their matches with Xhaka.
Okay but letâs look at that and factor in the outgoings too.
Xhaka (maybe) Elneny, Laca,Eddie. Squads already bare bones and these have to be replaced.
You have calls for two new full backs as well. Thatâs substantial outgoings and especially so without CL money.
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Honestly I donât think what is going on with Partey changes what you need to do with Xhaka. Whatâs the point in having someone who is consistently fit but costs you games with the fact heâs completely shit and unreliable on the pitch.
Itâs clear as day that Partey is the first name on the team sheet, you improve on Xhaka with someone like Gallagher- if Chelsea ever get their fucking legal straits sorted out. It is simply a case of depth, you want your 3rd and 4th and maybe even 5th choice to be better players than Lokonga, Elneny and AMN.
People also maybe have to lower their expectations a little too in compliance with building a stronger depth, Spurs done well taking a risk on Bentacaur, maybe we should have done similar with Arthur, sometimes a change of scenery can raise a player with questions marks. We also should be more adventurous in chasing players like Bissouma who would clearly want to come here, could be use that desire to strike a deal in our favour? Maybe, maybe not but even if we had to pay 40 million for him youâve got a really solid player to partner with Partey and actually replace him if need be without completely fucking up the system.
As for the short term itâs time to start thinking about Odegaard at 8 and ESR at CAM.
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You gotta fight
With Ben White
And PAAAAAARTEY
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It gets our best players on the pitch, which generally speaking is a good policy.
Ădegaard at 8 feels like it should work but it may take a game or two before he feels comfortable there. He wasnât good there the last time we put him there, though I canât remember which game that was now. Might have been a toughie away from home?
Irrespective, no Partey means we need control, mobility, guile and intelligence in midfield from somewhere else. Ădegaard is literally the only player who can offer that outside of Partey. Sambi is too raw and I feel like heâll struggle next to Xhaka. Heâll become a very good player but do I trust him in the run-in? Not at this point.
This situation is easily solved⌠buy another top CM. Then you donât have to rely on one player all the time. Partey is head and shoulders above anyone else and will be sorely missed.
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Why havenât we heard anything on the severity. Maybe thatâs good news?
This is why I think Laca (and slowly looking like Xhaka) end up staying at least for next season.
Then we get:
Starting CF
Starting CM
Backup RB
Thatâs the minimum, plus we might want to look at a LB depending on KT but the club may gamble on him being fine.
I think that would give us the bare minimum to try and compete in 4 comps. Ideally improving Holding, Tavares, Xhaka, Lokonga and our CF backup would also be done but thatâs where this becomes unrealistic.
Damn.
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As expected. Out for weeks. Official confirmation
Our No. 5 was substituted during Monday nightâs game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park after aggravating his right thigh.
Thomas has since received further assessments, and a subsequent scan has shown muscle damage to his right thigh.
We will continue to assess Thomas in the coming weeks, during which time he will also receive further specialist consultations.
Everyone will be working hard to get Thomas back on the pitch as soon as possible.
I fear thatâs the end of our top 4 hopes.
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Yeah ffs proper jynxed that lol
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