Oleksandr Zinchenko misses Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at West Ham with a groin injury in a late blow to Mikel Arteta…
Oleksandr Zinchenko missed Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against West Ham on Sunday afternoon with a groin injury.
Zinchenko’s place in The Gunners’ starting eleven was taken by Kieran Tierney – the only change Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made since last week’s draw with Liverpool.
The defender could return in time for Friday’s Premier League game against Southampton.
Arsenal threw away a two-goal lead for the second time in as many games against West Ham, giving Manchester City the chance to come within a point of them if they won their match in hand.
They did the same against Liverpool last Sunday and their game against the Cityzens in two weeks now looks set to be season-defining.
Oleksandr Zinchenko missed Arsenal’s visit to the London Stadium with a groin injury
Kieran Tierney replaced Zinchenko in Arsenal’s only substitution from last week’s Liverpool draw
Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports before kick-off: ‘It’s a blow. Zinchenko has been a big player for them this season, he has been one of the most outstanding players in the league, that role he plays from left-back to midfield that he picked up at Man City.
“Tierney is a top backup. He was seen as one of Arsenal’s top players a few years ago. He has had a lot of injury problems and that’s why Arteta went to the transfer market for Zinchenko.”
The title-seeking Gunners need every point in their league campaign, especially after Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday night.
Mikel Arteta could play against the Ukrainian on Friday night, as it will not be a long absence
Zinchenko got the groin knock in their thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield last week, with Liverpool stealing a point in the closing minutes after trailing two goals.
Arteta opted not to put Zinchenko on the line against the Hammers, but since the care shouldn’t last long, he could play in their next game on Friday.
The Gunners have reportedly decided to suspend new contract talks with Arteta to allow the club’s players and management to focus on their title contender.
Despite Sunday’s result, Arsenal lead the Premier League and are seeking their first top-flight title in the men’s game since the 2003-04 season.