Oleksandr Zinchenko misses Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at West Ham with a groin injury in a late blow for Mikel Arteta… but the Ukrainian is not set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and could return next weekend
Oleksandr Zinchenko missed Arsenal‘s 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday afternoon with a groin injury.
Zinchenko’s place in the Gunners’ starting XI was taken by Kieran Tierney – the only change that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made since last week’s draw with Liverpool.
The defender could return in time for Friday’s Premier League clash against Southampton.
Arsenal threw away a two goal lead for the second time in as many games against West Ham, giving Manchester City a chance to move within one point of them if they win their game in hand.
They did the same against Liverpool last Sunday, and their clash against the Cityzens in two weeks time now looks as though it will be season defining.
Oleksandr Zinchenko missed out on Arsenal’s visit to the London Stadium with a groin injury
Kieran Tierney replaced Zinchenko in Arsenal’s only change from last week’s Liverpool draw
Speaking before kick-off, Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports: ‘It’s a blow. Zinchenko has been a huge player for them this season, he’s been one of the standout players in the league, that role he plays from left-back going into midfield that he picked up at Man City.
‘Tierney is a top back up, he was seen as one of Arsenal’s top players a couple of years ago, he’s had a lot of injury problems and that’s why Arteta went into the transfer market for Zinchenko.’
The title-chasing Gunners need every point they can during their league run-in, especially after Manchester City‘s 3-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta could play the Ukrainian on Friday night, as it is not set to be a lengthy absence
Zinchenko picked up the groin knock last week during their enthralling 2-2 draw at Anfield, with Liverpool coming from two goals down to steal a point in the closing minutes.
Arteta chose not to risk Zinchenko against the Hammers, but as the concern is not meant to be a lengthy one, he could feature in their next game on Friday.
The Gunners have reportedly decided to put new contract talks with Arteta on hold so that the club’s players and management can focus on their title bid.
Despite Sunday’s result, Arsenal lead the Premier League and are seeking their first top-flight title in the men’s game since the 2003-2004 campaign.
