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Premier League | Gameweek 13

Oct 23, 2022 at 2pm UK

St Mary's Stadium

Southampton
1 - 1
Arsenal

Armstrong (65')
Walcott (89'), Lyanco (90+3')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Xhaka (11')
Saka (29')

Mikel Arteta confirms Oleksandr Zinchenko is "close" to Arsenal return

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 21 October 2022

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirms that Oleksandr Zinchenko is "close" to returning from a calf injury while also offering a positive update on Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Oleksandr Zinchenko is "close" to returning from a calf injury.

The Ukrainian left-back has endured a frustrating start to life at the Emirates Stadium since arriving from Manchester City in the summer transfer window.

Zinchenko immediately pushed Kieran Tierney aside to become Arsenal's first-choice left-back, but he then missed wins over Fulham and Aston Villa in August with a knee problem.

The 25-year-old then picked up a calf injury before the September international break, although he was able to play 73 minutes in the North London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur on October 1.

However, Zinchenko has since sustained another problem in his calf and has been absent for his side's last five matches in all competitions.

Oleksandr Zinchenko in action for Arsenal on July 30, 2022 © Reuters

In total, Zinchenko has made six appearances for the Gunners - claiming one assist - while missing a further eight games through injury, but the defender could be in with a chance of featuring against Southampton this weekend.

"I think he's close. He's getting better and better and he's progressing really well. He had a setback on an injury that he got at the start of the season which is a shame, but knowing Alex he will be back very soon," Arteta said at his pre-game press conference.

When asked if Zinchenko would be available for the trip to St Mary's, Arteta gave a wry smile and responded: "I can't tell you. He's always in contention."

Should Zinchenko fail to make the cut this weekend, Takehiro Tomiyasu could once again deputize in his newfound left-back role, as Ben White returns on the right-hand side.

Arsenal remain without Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe for the clash with Southampton, while Bukayo Saka was taken off with a calf issue in the Europa League win over PSV Eindhoven on Thursday.

Bukayo Saka scores for Arsenal on October 9, 2022 © Reuters

The 21-year-old took a kick to the back of the leg while dribbling through a sea of PSV challenges, but Arteta is hopeful that he will be ready for Sunday, adding: "I think he's fine. He was struggling a bit at the end but hopefully he'll be fine for Sunday."

Fellow attacker Gabriel Martinelli missed training on Wednesday due to illness, but the Brazil international was fit enough to come on as a late substitute in the 1-0 triumph over PSV.

Arteta also had positive news to share on Martinelli, who will eye a return to the first XI this weekend, saying: "He had a tough week. He wasn't feeling great in the week. But in the day before the game he was already feeling better so that's why we decided to play him a little bit."

Granit Xhaka's half-volley ensured that Arsenal would play in the knockout rounds of the Europa League, and they need just a point away to PSV next week to seal a first-placed finish in Group A and advance to the last 16.

Attention now turns to defending top spot in the Premier League table for the Gunners, with Arteta's side four points clear of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand on their North London rivals.