LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Oleksandr Zinchenko celebrates the 3rd Arsenal goal scored by Reiss Nelson during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on March 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The Ukrainian international missed Arsenal’s last game against West Ham United due to a groin problem, and it remains uncertain whether he will be fit for Friday’s match.
Speaking to the media, Arteta said, “We’ll see about that one as well, it’s not certain. It’s a muscular injury and it needs some time to heal and we’re not there yet.”
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Zinchenko has been an important player for Arsenal this season, providing both defensive stability and attacking threat down the left wing.
- His absence was felt in Arsenal’s last game against West Ham, as they struggled to create chances from the left flank.
With just seven games left in the season, every point counts for Arsenal as they aim to secure their first league title since 2004.
The Gunners are currently at the top of the Premier League table with 74 points after 31 games, closely followed by second-placed Manchester City, who have 70 points and a game in hand.
Arteta will be hoping that Zinchenko can recover in time for Friday’s game, as he will be crucial to Arsenal’s chances of securing three points against Southampton.
However, if Zinchenko is not fit enough to play, Arteta will have to rely on other players to fill his position.
Arsenal have several options at left-back, including Kieran Tierney, who has not played a lot this season but has been good each time he’s played for the North Londoners.
Regardless of who plays at left-back, Arsenal will need to be at their best to secure a win against Southampton.
The Saints are currently in the relegation zone and will treat this match as a final, so they will try their best to win.
Arteta will have faith in his squad to get the job done, but Zinchenko’s fitness will be a concern as every point counts in Arsenal’s title race.
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