Report: Oleksandr Zinchenko unlikely to play for Arsenal on Thursday

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Oleksandr Zinchenko is not expected to return for Arsenal on Thursday as he continues to deal with a calf injury, according to a report from the Evening Standard.

Zinchenko has missed the Gunners’ last two games against Bodo/Glimt and Liverpool. Thankfully for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s side have been able to get through those fixtures without him.

They managed to put one foot in the knockout stages of the Europa League last week. And of course, they beat Liverpool 3-2 at the Emirates on Sunday to return to the top of the Premier League table.

Zinchenko unlikely to play on Thursday

Takehiro Tomiyasu was incredible at left-back against the Reds. But obviously, Zinchenko is a ‘phenomenal‘ player who Arteta can use in a variety of roles.

So having him back available will be a big boost.

Unfortunately, the Gunners may have to wait a little longer. The Evening Standard reports that Zinchenko is unlikely to play for Arsenal on Thursday in the Europa League. And he will continue to be assessed ahead of their trip to Leeds on Sunday.

In previous years, not having a player of Zinchenko’s calibre would have been such a blow for Arsenal.

Of course, it is not ideal. And the Gunners will hope to have him back as soon as possible.

But they do now have the depth in some areas to cope with major setbacks.

It would have previously been unthinkable to imagine Kieran Tierney not starting games when available. But he has been a more peripheral figure so far.

Meanwhile, Tomiyasu staked his claim for more game-time at left-back with an outstanding performance against Liverpool.

Arsenal now have the luxury of being able to take their time with Zinchenko, making sure that they do not gamble with his fitness.