Former Barcelona and Valencia midfielder Gaizka Mendieta said Thomas Partey should not expect to play every game at Arsenal because of the 'evolving' state of football.
Despite battling with injuries, the 27-year-old has 19 appearances in all competitions for Mikel Arteta's side since his permanent move from Atletico Madrid in October.
After playing every minute in the Gunners' 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday, Partey dropped to the bench on Thursday but he was later introduced as a 57th-minute substitute in their 1-0 Uefa Europa League defeat to Olympiacos.
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The Ghana star is expected to play a part when Arsenal visit West Ham United on Sunday, however, Mendieta – who had stints in England and Spain during his career – thinks his chances of playing are not just limited to competition for places in Arteta's team.