Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss the trip to the London Stadium to take on West Ham after picking up a groin injury against Liverpool, it has been revealed.
The Ukrainian was substituted in the final minutes of the 2-2 draw at Anfield, after being beaten by Trent Alexander-Arnold for the Liverpool equaliser, and was not spotted in training during the week, sparking concern that he may not be fully fit.
And this has since been confirmed, with Zinchenko not named among the matchday squad for the trip to the London Stadium courtesy of a groin issue that he picked up at Anfield.
As per the Athletic, ‘The issue is not expected to keep the Ukraine international out for long and he could return against Southampton on Friday, but Mikel Arteta has opted to protect him for the run-in.’
It means that Kieran Tierney will start at left back for the Gunners as they take on the struggling Hammers, while William Saliba also remains sidelined, meaning that Rob Holding is likely to continue in the heart of the Arsenal defence alongside Gabriel.
With Manchester City having thrashed Leicester City on Saturday evening, Arsenal have no room for error should they wish to keep their first Premier League title since 2004 in their hands, with a win against West Ham leaving the title race as it was before the weekend’s action.
The Gunners face Southampton on Friday before a showdown with Manchester City in 10 days time, where the winner will gain sole control of the title race.
