By Betsefy
Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to be ruled out for the next two weeks with a calf injury, according to the Ukrainian FA.
The 25-year-old has made a bright start to life at the Emirates Stadium following his transfer from Manchester City over the summer, but he has recently been troubled with injuries.
After starting each of Arsenal’s opening three Premier League games, Zinchenko then missed the next two league fixtures against Fulham and Aston Villa due to a knee injury.
The Ukraine international returned for the defeat against Manchester United before coming off the bench for the final 21 minutes in the Europa League win over FC Zurich last week.
Zinchenko would have been hoping to feature in Arsenal’s next Premier League game away at Brentford on Sunday before linking up with his international teammates for two UEFA Nations League matches next week.
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However, the Ukrainian FA have released a statement confirming that the versatile defender/midfielder has picked up a calf injury during training with Arsenal and will not be selected in Oleksandr Petrakov‘s squad.
A statement read: “The midfielder of the national team Oleksandr Zinchenko, unfortunately, will not be able to help the blue-yellow during the September matches UEFA Nations League 2022-2023.
“The player of the London side Arsenal suffered a calf muscle injury during training at the club, which will require about two weeks for treatment and recovery.
“Oleksandr immediately personally informed the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Petrakov, of the unfortunate news by calling him.”
Despite this statement, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta refused to rule out the prospect of Zinchenko featuring against Brentford this weekend.
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Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the Spaniard said: “Unfortunately the update will be tomorrow when we have the last training session, today there is not much to give.”
Two players who will miss Sunday’s game are Mohamed Elneny and Reiss Nelson, who are recovering from respective hamstring and thigh injuries, while Thomas Partey (thigh), Emile Smith Rowe (groin) and Cedric Soares (knock) are all doubtful and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
When questioned by reporters about Smith Rowe’s condition, Arteta said: “It’s been an ongoing issue that he’s had, he’s had some discomfort in the groin area.
“It’s something that we are trying to assess and trying to help him as much as possible in any way that we can. We need him fit and available, he’s such an important player for us.”
Arsenal will be looking to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League with a victory at Brentford, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat on the opening weekend of last season.
