Mikel Arteta last night delivered a worrying injury update on Oleksandr Zinchenko after the Arsenal defender was brought off at halftime against Liverpool.
The Ukrainian international was replaced with Jakub Kiwior at the break as the Gunners claimed a massive result in north London against the Reds with a 3-1 win.
Firmly back in the title race, Arsenal are on cloud nine having secured one of their most impressive victories of the season, yet it might have come at a cost with injury to Zinchenko.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Arteta admitted that he is currently not sure how long the former Manchester City fullback will be out injured for.
With Jurrien Timber not yet fully fit and Takehiro Tomiyasu on international duty. Zinchenko being ruled out with injury could be a huge blow for the Gunners heading into their upcoming league fixtures.
Arteta said when asked about Zinchenko’s injury last night: “With Alex we don’t know. He felt something in his calf again so we had to take him off.”
Arsenal need to hope Oleksandr Zinchenko’s injury isn’t serious
Although Zinchenko’s performances have been mixed this season, there’s no denying that the £35m signing from City is a huge presence in the Arsenal dressing room.
The defender has brought a winning mentality and a drive for success few players behind the scenes can hold, with Zinchenko clearly someone Arteta trusts to take Arsenal to that next level.
And if the fullback is injured, Arsenal could find themselves in a whole world of trouble, especially with the UEFA Champions League returning soon.
Indeed, Zinchenko’s injury blow might keep the fullback out of action for a game or two, but anything more could result into a big problem for the Gunners.
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