Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to miss Arsenal’s clash with Brentford after the Ukrainian Football Association confirmed he has picked up a fresh injury.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to his burgeoning Gunners career, but has since been hampered by injuries. Having started the first three games of the season, Zinchenko missed the wins over Fulham and Aston Villa with a knee injury.
He then returned for the defeat at Manchester United, a result which ended their 100 per cent start to the new campaign. But he is now set to be absent for the trip to Brentford on Sunday, after picking up a calf strain.
That news was confirmed by the Ukrainian FA, after they revealed he would miss the upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes: "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," a statement reads.
"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."
Mikel Arteta will be desperate for the £30million signing to return after the international break, having quickly proved he can expertly fill in multiple positions, having already turned out as a wing-back and a central midfielder.
"He can play in both [defence and midfield]. He was a natural No. 10 early in his career, and we converted him into a left-back which can do a lot of things that we want in our way of playing,” Arteta explained. "That versatility is something that is going to be important for the team because we have players in that position who are more specific full-back, so I'm really happy."
It likely means Kieran Tierney will get the nod at left-back, while the headaches surrounding Arteta’s midfield options continue. Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey are both nursing injuries, with the former set to miss an extended period of time.
Albert Sambi Lokonga started at Old Trafford, playing alongside Granit Xhaka at the base of the Arsenal midfield. That pairing looks set to continue in what promises to be a tricky trip across the capital.
Arteta’s side know all too well about the threat Brentford can possess - particularly in front of their own supporters. The Bees kicked off their first Premier League campaign by thumping Arsenal on the first day of the 2021/22 season.
The Gunners have come a long way since then and will hope to have a significantly better experience in west London this time around. Thomas Frank’s side are in fine form however and have already thrashed Manchester United at home this season.
