Oleksandr Zinchenko a doubt for Arsenal’s clash against Crystal Palace
Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely to miss this weekend’s crunch London derby showdown against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium, the Evening Standard reports.
The 27-year-old hasn’t featured for Arsenal since the disappointing 2-0 defeat to West Ham United after picking up a calf injury in training.
Zinchenko has been trying to shake off the setback during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai but is unlikely to recover in time for this weekend’s contest.
The former Manchester City man has come under scrutiny at times this season, with many calling for reinforcements at left-back to provide competition for the experienced Ukrainian.
Despite his sometimes shaky performances, Zinchenko has been a mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s defence this season, missing just two Premier League games.
He has returned just one goal and one assist in the Premier League this season but has been a crucial component in Arteta’s starting line-up.
Jakub Kiwior is anticipated to deputise for the Ukraine international against Palace at left back, starting his third consecutive fixture for the Gunners for the first time this season.
Arsenal are light on left-back options with Jurrien Timber still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and Takehiro Tomiyasu away on Asian Cup duty with the Japanese national team.
The positive news for Arsenal following their Dubai training camp is the return of Gabriel Jesus who is likely to be in the starting line-up against Palace.
Jesus was absent in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup third round earlier this month due to a knee issue but is expected to lead the line this weekend.
Arsenal will be desperate to halt a four-match winless streak that has seen them lose three consecutive games across all competitions.
Back-to-back defeats against London neighbours Fulham and West Ham have bumped Arteta’s troops to fourth in the Premier League table, five points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
