Arsenal outcast could now play in new role under Mikel Arteta for the first time against Preston

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Arsenal are facing several injury problems ahead of their EFL Cup clash against Preston North end.

Mikel Arteta had to contend with several issues as Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber were withdrawn in Arsenal’s draw with Liverpool, having already lost other members of his back line.

These substitutions saw youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly come on against Liverpool to play at left-back in a huge statement given that Oleksandr Zinchenko was on the bench.

The Ukrainian has not played since August as a result of injury, but he has seemingly fallen behind the teenager in the pecking order, and he could now be set for a new role against Preston.

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Oleksandr Zinchenko could play in midfield against Preston

With Lewis-Skelly likely to start at left-back in the EFL Cup clash, and Arteta needing to rotate the likes of Declan Rice, a midfield role for Zinchenko has been mooted for the Preston clash.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Charles Watts claimed that he would like to see the 28-year-old tried in the middle of the park, with Mikel Merino saved for Arsenal’s upcoming trip to Newcastle.

“I think he’s going to play Zinchenko,” Watts stated.

“I can’t see him playing Merino in this game. I think he’ll give Merino a rest ahead of three really big away games coming up, so I think we’ll see Zinchenko play in that left eight role.”

Oleksandr Zinchenko could finally play in midfield for Arsenal

Zinchenko has exclusively played at left-back for Arsenal, with his role seeing him invert into midfield when in possession.

Fans have often clamoured for Zinchenko to play in the middle, as he does with Ukraine, in a bid to maximise his qualities on the ball without suffering from his defensive vulnerabilities.

Arsenal now have a host of other options at left-back, and Zinchenko’s future in the position looks unclear.

However, if he can prove his value in midfield, Zinchenko has a chance to buy himself a lifeline at Arsenal, and if he does start in midfield against Preston, he will have to perform well to push himself up the pecking order in either position.