“It’s quite unfortunate”- Mikel Arteta confirms fresh injury concerns for Superb £150k-p/w Arsenal star- Arteta confirms he’s disappointed for one of his ‘most important’ asset to have been ruled out of games because of muscular injury
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Oleksandr Zinchenko has been nursing a fresh muscular injury during the pre-season campaign.
The Ukraine international missed the final four games of last season with a calf problem, and he has yet to make his comeback to the playing field.
The 26-year-old recently travelled with the squad to the United States, but he spent his time working individually away from the main group.
Speaking to Arsenal.com, Arteta has now revealed that Zinchenko suffered a fresh muscular injury, but the left-back should return to action soon.
He said: “He had a muscular injury again unfortunately. He’s getting back – I think he’ll be back soon, but it’s a shame that he hasn’t been with us the whole tour.”
ARSENAL HAVE SUFFICIENT DEPTH IN ZINCHENKO’S ABSENCE
Zinchenko was a huge hit during his debut season with the Gunners. The £150,000-a-week star was impressive with his ability to operate from an inverted left-back position.
In his absence, Arsenal don’t possess the same level of creative threat from the left flank, but they have the personnel to provide adequate cover for the Ukrainian.
Jakub Kiwior started at left-back in the first two pre-season games with Kieran Tierney coming off the bench. Takehiro Tomiyasu started ahead of him against Manchester United.
Summer signing Jurrien Timber was preferred in the role versus Barcelona. The Dutchman has barely played as a left-back in his career, but looked assured yesterday.
Tierney has been a second-half substitute in all four of those games. The Scot delivered a superb cross for Leandro Trossard’s second goal in the 5-3 victory over Barcelona.
Arteta practically has five left-back choices for next season. Zinchenko would be an assured starter when fit, but the manager may want to be cautious with him for now.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com
