Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided a promising injury update on £35million summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of the Premier League clash against Leeds.
Zinchenko enjoyed a strong start to life at the Emirates Stadium after completing a move from Manchester City, but has been hampered by injuries over the past two months. After starting the first three games of the season, the Ukraine international picked up a knee injury before returning for the Gunners' only defeat of the season so far against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old returned to the squad for the North London Derby victory against Tottenham, but was substituted in the 73rd minute and has yet to feature again since. The Ukrainian defender's absence has led to Arteta trialling Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back as he rotates the Japanese defender with Kieran Tierney as not to suffer any more injuries in defence.
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football.london Arsenal correspondent Kaya Kaynak asked for an update on Zinchenko's fitness, resulting in Arteta providing a key update on the Ukraine international ahead of the clash against Leeds on Sunday. Speaking in his press conference, the Gunners boss responded: "I think so (asked whether Zinchenko is a doubt vs Leeds).
"With Alex, I don’t know, he has not been on the pitch yet. So we have to be a little bit calm."
Arteta's response hints that it still could be a few games before Zinchenko returns to the matchday squad, meaning Tierney or Tomiyasu are likely to continue on at left-back. The Japan international put in an impressive performance against Liverpool, shutting down the Reds' star attacker Mohamed Salah all game.
Tierney was disappointed not to start the game against Jurgen Klopp's side but given the pair's injury struggles this season, Arteta is right to continue rotating them weekly as Zinchenko continues his recovery. Arsenal play nine games over the course of the next four weeks which means that the Gunners boss will need to keep his key players fit as they look to head into the World Cup break top of the Premier League and having qualified for the Europa League knockout rounds.
Gabriel Jesus looks set to miss out on the trip to Leeds after Arteta revealed the Brazilian will need to be assessed over the weekend whether he can take part. Jesus' absence would be a huge blow for Arsenal after the £45million signing has registered 10 goal contributions in his last 11 appearances.
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