Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gives latest on Oleksandr Zinchenko injury

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Mikel Arteta believes Oleksandr Zinchenko will play for Arsenal again before the World Cup. Zinchenko has not featured for the Gunners since the north London derby win over Tottenham at the beginning of the month.

The Ukraine star has been struggling with a calf injury. He has made just five Premier League appearances for the league leaders since his arrival in the summer.

Zinchenko was initially in and out of the Arsenal side but the decision has been made in recent weeks for him to sit out and recover fully from the issue. But Arteta insists he is not concerned by his continued absence.

The Spaniard spoke to the media on Wednesday ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League match at home to PSV Eindhoven. And Zinchenko’s fitness was one of the topics discussed

Arteta said: “No I don’t think so [there’s anything to worry about] but obviously he has a current injury in his calf and that’s why he’s been out for this period.”

Asked if he thinks Zinchenko will play before the World Cup, Arteta said: “Yes.”

Zinchenko was Arsenal’s fifth and final signing of the summer, arriving from Manchester City for a fee of up to £32million. He initially started his spell at the Emirates strongly before being hampered by the calf problem.

Arsenal have continued to win in the 25-year-old’s absence in recent weeks. Takehiro Tomiyasu has been preferred at left-back to Kieran Tierney in the last two league matches.

Zinchenko missed training on Wednesday and will not be available against PSV. Gabriel Martinelli was also absent due to illness but he is yet to be ruled out of the match.

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Arsenal have won their first three games of Group A and can confirm progression to the knockout stage if they avoid defeat in north London. Victory will also take them closer to finishing top, which would see them avoid playing a round of 16 tie against a team dropping out of the Champions League.

Arsenal have won 12 of their 13 matches in all competitions this season heading into the game. And Arteta admits he has noticed a difference in the changing room atmosphere.

He said: “Winning obviously helps a lot. I have no complaints, I think it’s an exceptional group that is in a really good moment.

“We are enjoying the moment, we want to get better in a lot of things that we are doing but I think we are on the right path.”

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