Oleksandr Zinchenko injury: Latest update, Mikel…

Oleksandr Zinchenko injury: Latest update, Mikel Arteta verdict, Arsenal fixtures, return date

Mikel Arteta has been handed a huge dilemma ahead of Arsenal's trip to Elland Road this weekend as Oleksandr Zinchenko continues to nurse an injury. The 25-year-old has struggled to regain match fitness in recent weeks after a number of knocks.

Zinchenko has featured five times for the Gunners in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards one goal from left-back. His impressive displays have guided the north Londoners towards the making of a title charge.

But, his availability has quickly become an issue for Arteta as Arsenal juggle both domestic and European duties. The Premier League table-toppers will be eager to see Zinchenko return soon but, with what seems to be a muscle injury, they won't want to rush him back too quickly.

So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at everything we know so far regarding Zinchenko's injury.

What happened to Zinchenko?

Zinchenko suffered a knock to his knee in late August before briefly returning to action against Manchester United. He then picked up a calf injury in Arsenal training and has struggled to stay match fit.

The Ukraine international, again, returned to action in the north London derby but missed the clash with Liverpool after his calf caused him a few issues. Zinchenko didn't travel with the squad to Merseyside at the weekend.

What has been said?

Last month, the Football Federation of Ukraine confirmed that Zinchenko would be out of action for his country in the September international break. The 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."

Speaking on Sky Sports at the weekend ahead of Arsenal's clash with Liverpool, Arteta provided an update and explained Zinchenko's patchy availability. The Spaniard said: "He’s got another muscle injury. Let’s see how it evolves in the next few days."

What happens next?

With Zinchenko nursing a muscle injury, Arsenal are likely to not want to take any more risks or rush him back. As Arteta said, the club are monitoring him and will be looking to not give him too much too soon with regard to physical workload.