Arsenal handed massive injury boost ahead of Zurich clash

Arsenal have been handed a big injury boost for the FC Zurich game with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Bukayo Saka back in full training with their teammates.

Zinchenko had been nursing a calf problem over the past five weeks, but manager Mikel Arteta has today confirmed that the Ukrainian has had two sessions with the team.

Meanwhile, the Spanish tactician also confirmed the availability of Saka. The £63 million-rated star was substituted early last weekend, but he has managed to avoid any kind of injury.

Speaking in today’s press conference, Arteta said that the winger picked up a minor knock, but was fine to resume full training with the team and could be in contention to play.

He told Arsenal.com: “Alex is just very recent and he’s had two training sessions. Bukayo just missed one or two sessions and was fine today. We’re using our brains and our common sense, but obviously he had a kick and wasn’t comfortable. We made a decision to get him off, and now he’s feeling fine.”

Arsenal handed Saka and Zinchenko injury boosts

Earlier last week, Mohamed Elneny was spotted in first-team training. The Egyptian has had several sessions with the squad and could make his first appearance since August on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Saka could also feature against Zurich, which is now a must-win for the Gunners. Arsenal are currently two points ahead of PSV Eindhoven in Group A of the Europa League.

PSV have the head-to-head advantage and they would secure the top position with a win in case the Gunners share the spoils against Zurich. Hence, a victory appears a must tomorrow.

Zinchenko has also been involved in full training of late, but we don’t see him making the starting XI. After a recurrence of the same injury, Arteta may look to ease him into the proceedings.

The £28.8m-rated star could return in the Carabao Cup third round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion.

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