Arsenal now have a clear ‘hope’ regarding the injury that ruled Oleksandr Zinchenko out of the 2-1 loss at London rivals Fulham in the Premier League on New Year’s Eve.
Goals in either half by Raul Jimenez (29’) and Bobby De Cordova-Reid (59’) handed Fulham a come-from-behind win against Arsenal. Bukayo Saka (5’) gave Mikel Arteta’s side an early lead at Craven Cottage. But the Gunners failed to hold on to also take back-to-back defeats.
The Emirates Stadium natives also suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham United to end 2023. While Zinchenko ended the year on the sidelines after suffering a calf injury that ruled the left-back out of Arsenal’s trip to Fulham. Jakub Kiwior started in place of the 27-year-old.
What has Mikel Arteta said about Oleksandr Zinchenko’s calf injury?
Arteta admitted following Arsenal’s defeat at Fulham that the Gunners were still in the dark over the severity of Zinchenko’s injury. But he underwent scans on New Year’s Day to assess the damage after reporting discomfort. It is also the second calf injury he has had this term.
“We don’t know,” Arteta noted in his post-game press conference after losing 2-1 at Fulham. “He felt something in his calf, so he could not be available. We’ll scan him tomorrow and see how far he’ll go in these games.”
Now, football.london reports that Arsenal ‘hope’ to have Zinchenko back soon, potentially at home to Liverpool in the FA Cup this Sunday. The Gunners feel he only suffered a slight issue that should not sideline the Ukraine hero for long. So, it might only be a one-match absence.
Oleksandr Zinchenko could return when Arsenal host Liverpool in the FA Cup
Zinchenko only missed the opening day of the Premier League season due to the calf injury that ruined his pre-season. He had to sit out Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest back in August after failing to feature during the summer. But he then played 18 straight fixtures.
Arteta also started Zinchenko in 14 of his 18 consecutive Premier League matches between the two calf injuries. So, the Spaniard will be hoping that his latest problem does not prove to be a long-term issue. Especially after Kiwior’s issues as a makeshift left-back last Sunday.
Kiwior struggled to make an impact at either end of the pitch at Craven Cottage and he lost Jimenez for the Mexican’s goal. His problems even tempted Fulham to target Arsenal’s left-hand channel before Arteta would, ultimately, haul the Poland centre-back off at the break.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
