Arsenal have a lot of injury problems ahead of their clash with Liverpool, and could be forced into several changes.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates, but both Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are doubtful for the game.
Zinchenko has not played since picking up an injury in August, and was an unused substitute against Bournemouth and Shakhtar Donetsk.
With Liverpool set to start Mohamed Salah on the right wing, Arsenal fans may dread the idea of Zinchenko starting at left-back, given the defensive vulnerabilities he has shown against the Egyptian.
However, he could end up being the best option to throw in right now.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is unbeaten against Liverpool
Remarkably, Zinchenko has never tasted defeat in any of four Premier League appearances against Liverpool for both Arsenal and Manchester City.
The Ukrainian started as Man City won 4-1 at Anfield in 2020-21, playing the entire 90 minutes at left-back against Salah.
He did also start in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Anfield in April 2023, but he was at fault for their equalising goal, just before he was substituted.
Zinchenko also helped Arsenal secure a draw against Liverpool in December later that year, but Salah did best him for his goal, in an otherwise composed display.
The 28-year-old started in Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool at the Emirates last season, but was substituted at half time with the score at 1-1.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s experience could be useful for Arsenal
If both Calafiori and Timber are missing, Arteta’s options at left-back will be limited to Zinchenko, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jakub Kiwior.
Kiwior was at fault for Bournemouth’s second goal last week, and has been shaky at times at left-back, whilst Lewis-Skelly is yet to start in the Premier League.
Zinchenko, as a four-time Premier League winner, has much more big-game experience than either of the other two. Whilst the question will remain over how he deals with Salah, he could provide the necessary composure in possession to help Arsenal secure a win.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
