Arsenal were handed a major blow before their decisive Premier League clash against West Ham with Oleksandr Zinchenko missing with a groin injury. Rumours had began to circulate throughout the week regarding Zinchenko, with the versatile Ukrainian not spotted in training and Kieran Tierney's inclusion in the starting XI confirmed those worries.
Moments after the line-up was revealed, Arsenal confirmed in a social media post that Zinchenko's absence was precautionary because of a tight groin. Although that offers some hope of an imminent return, no Zinchenko adds to the defensive concerns Mikel Arteta will likely have.
William Saliba has been absent for several weeks after suffering a back injury in the Gunners' Europa League exit to Sporting CP. Sky Sports reporter James Green revealed on Tuesday that he was not part of the Gunners' training session at London Colney.
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Mikel Arteta had previously said he was optimistic seeing Saliba return to action this season. "Yeah, I am very hopeful and he is as well," Arteta said before the international break.
However, the Spaniard confirmed that Saliba would miss the London derby against West Ham last Friday. "William [Saliba] is still not available. He’s progressing well and we’re hopeful that we’ll have him available in the next few weeks. We’ll have to see. Eddie is back. He’s fully fit now and he’s back."
While no Saliba was a blow, a return for Eddie Nketiah adds some depth to the Gunners front line after the striker missed the month of March with an ankle injury. The Hale End graduate came on with under 10 minutes to play as Arsenal searched for a late winner after being pegged back from two goals in front for the second consecutive week by West Ham.
Arsenal now look forward to their Premier League clash against Southampton next Friday, with the hope Saliba can play. Elsewhere, Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are the Gunners' long-term absentees. The duo will miss the remainder of the season.
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