Arsenal “perfectionist” suffers fitness setback pre-Bodo/Glimt, it’s a blow for Arteta – opinion
Arsenal suffer Zinchenko setback ahead of Bodo/Glimt
Arsenal are likely to be without utility man Oleksandr Zinchenko for this evening’s Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt after the 25-year-old missed their final training session on Wednesday morning…
According to football.london, all signs point towards Kieran Tierney starting against the Norwegian outfit at the Emirates Stadium tonight after the Ukraine star was absent as a precautionary measure.
Zinchenko started in the Gunners’ 3-1 win over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, so his complete absence from the last session before kick-off is a worrying setback.
He had featured in every Premier League outing since his £32m move from Manchester City in the summer before being ruled out against Fulham with what was reported to be a left knee sprain.
With a resurgent Liverpool side on Sunday, manager Mikel Arteta could be holding Zinchenko back for that league encounter, though his absence will be sorely felt tonight as he’s been a very crucial part of Arsenal’s early-season success thus far.
Former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell lauded his impact to the side in an interview with Football Insider, where he described the versatile dynamo as the “ultimate full-back/midfielder” and a “breath of fresh air” – he added:
“Arsenal are controlling games a lot more easily because of it. Zinchenko is so good at tidying up counter-attacks as well. He keeps the team ticking.
“It has been incredible to watch the adjustment. Long may it continue because it is exciting.”
