On personal Instagram, defender Oleksandr Zinchenko shared positive information to Arsenal fans.
Recently, Oleksandr Zinchenko missed the pre-season tour in the US because of a calf injury. However, at this point he has recovered and can practice with his teammates.
In a recent photo updated on his personal Instagram, Zinchenko was smiling standing next to the first team players, with the short caption: “It’s great to be back.”
The return of the former Man City player is good news for coach Mikel Arteta, in the context of rookie Jurrien Timber being injured. The player suffered a knee injury in the opening Premier League game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. It is likely that Timber will be sidelined for a few months and this will push Arsenal to bring in another defender.
For Zinchenko, a start against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday may come too soon. However, he can play when the Gunners face Fulham in their next game at Emirates Stadium.
The 26-year-old played 27 Premier League games last season, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
Defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has not played for Arsenal since a 2-0 away win over Newcastle United in May. The Ukrainian is currently recovering from an injury. He was still on the Gunners’ tour list in the summer of 2023, but did not play a minute.
Coach Mikel Arteta confirmed the former Man City star has a calf injury, he still has to work with Arsenal’s medical team every day. With still not fully recovered, Zinchenko is not on the Arsenal squad list for the English Super Cup match with Man City.
However, according to Football London, defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has been able to train again. During Arsenal’s training session on Friday, the 1996-born player was seen quite active on the pitch. That shows that Zinchenko is about to return to the competition.
According to the same source, Zinchenko can completely participate in the match against Crystal Palace in the first round of the 2023/24 Premier League next week, but he will most likely sit on the bench. Arsenal have Kieran Tierney who is good at playing at left-back, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and rookie Jurrien Timber can also play in this position.
In the English Super Cup match, coach Arteta let Kieran Tierney sit on the bench, instead Jurrien Timber started at left-back.