Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a dilemma to see to in midfield ahead of the North London derby, with the answer not being Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The international break is over, which will come as music to Arteta’s ears as his players prepare to return to North London.
It’s been an unfortunate time for Arsenal, who lost both Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard to injury when representing their nations.
While Calafiori’s blow is undetermined, it’s suggested that Odegaard could miss three weeks of action.
Arteta has an unwanted problem to solve in midfield, with Odegaard and Mikel Merino injured and Declan Rice suspended ahead of the North London derby.
Oleksandr Zinchenko fails Ukraine midfield audition
One option to step in to cover the midfield is Oleksandr Zinchenko, whose versatility makes him qualified to play the role if required.
The 27-year-old plays the inverted role when fielded at left-back, often seen in central areas with his ball playing and desire to push forward useful.
That being said, Arteta has just been sent a warning against using the Ukrainian in the North London derby, as Zinchenko played for his country in midfield during Ukraine’s defeat to the Czech Republic.
- READ MORE: Declan Rice red card means Oleksandr Zinchenko could be handed new role by Mikel Arteta vs Tottenham
The former Manchester City defender played 85 minutes in the 2-1 loss, where his display in midfield was blasted by Ukrainian outlet football.ua.
“If Mikel Arteta watched this game of his protege, it would be better if he didn’t.
“Before Arsenal’s next match, there are now a lot of questions about whether Zinchenko will take the role in the center of the field in conditions of personnel losses.
“A very thin border from failure was managed this time, because sometimes the decisions of a player with a generally “bright” head caused frank surprise.”
Zinchenko came under fire for his decision-making in the fixture, as football.ua took it upon themselves to urge Arteta not to field their countryman in midfield against Tottenham.
Arsenal cannot risk playing Zinchenko in midfield against Tottenham
When it comes to the more unreliable figures in Arsenal’s current squad, Zinchenko is certainly one who comes to mind.
The four-time Premier League winner was signed to add experience in Arteta’s dressing room, something that worked for his first season and then quickly fizzled out.
Zinchenko is technically outstanding but incredibly unreliable and naive, something that his display against the Czech Republic highlighted.
- READ MORE: The three players who could now replace Martin Odegaard in North London Derby vs Tottenham
As per Sofascore, the Ukrainian completed only 80% of his passes in the middle of the park and lost possession an alarming 13 times.
Added to that, the Arsenal defender recorded one error that led to a shot, telling of the frailties of his game when lapses in concentration occur.
In a game as emotive and highly contested as the North London derby, playing Zinchenko in midfield is a recipe for disaster, as the 27-year-old’s confidence comes off as arrogance when he so often takes it upon himself to be the hero.
Arteta has a decision to make in midfield but the answer should certainly not be Zinchenko.
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