Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of their FA Cup clash against Liverpool on Sunday.
Arsenal have struggled in the Premier League in recent weeks.
Supporters were left deeply frustrated by the Gunners lack of a cutting edge in the 2-0 defeat to West Ham United having registered 30 shots on goal without scoring.
Those frustrations were then heightened after putting in a poor display against Fulham on New Year’s Eve which saw them throw away a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1.
Having fallen five points behind leaders Liverpool in the title race, they face the Reds on Sunday in a blockbuster third-round clash in the FA Cup.
Whilst this competition will act as a welcome distraction from their faltering league form, Mikel Arteta does have injuries to contend with, including in a position that has caused them the most issues this term.
Indeed, the Spaniard revealed in his pre-match press conference that he’s open to signing a new left-back but has placed an emphasis on making the most out of the players he has.
With Jurrien Timber ruled out for the rest of the season, Takehiro Tomiyasu away at the Asia Cup and Oleksandr Zinchenko a doubt for the game, that leaves Jakub Kiwior – who struggled in the defeat to Fulham – as his only fully fit option in that area.
Oleksandr Zinchenko could be fit for Liverpool clash
Zinchenko missed the match against Fulham due to a “slight calf issue”.
It wasn’t clear whether he would be fit for the FA Cup fixture against Liverpool, however, Arteta’s latest update is a promising one.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “He is progressing well. We have another training session tomorrow and we will evaluate whether he is available or not to play and start the game. As for the rest, there is no actual news.
From this latest update, it appears to be touch and go as to whether he will feature against the Reds.
The 27-year-old struggled to live with Mohamed Salah in December’s league fixture as the Egyptian gave him a torrid time.
As a result, Gary Neville branded him as a ‘liability’ and called for him to be substituted in the second half after putting in a terrible display.
Given Jurgen Klopp will likely field a strong team that includes a tricky winger, it’s unlikely that Arteta will throw him straight back into the starting XI, especially after how the match unfolded at Anfield.
However, the Spaniard isn’t exactly blessed with options in that area. He would much rather have Timber lining up against Liverpool but instead, he has to settle for either playing Zinchenko or Kiwior and hope for the best.
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