Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko may miss the beginning of the new season due to a recent injury setback, as disclosed by manager Mikel Arteta.
The 26-year-old defender, who joined the Gunners from Manchester City, had an impressive season last year, making 33 appearances and helping the team secure a second-place finish in the league.
However, Zinchenko's season was marred by various injuries, including a calf problem that sidelined him for ten games during the campaign. Towards the end of the season, he suffered another calf issue, which has persisted into the pre-season.
As a result of the ongoing injury concern, Zinchenko has not featured in any of Arsenal's warm-up matches, including their recent 5-3 victory over Barcelona. He is now a major doubt for the club's upcoming match against Monaco at the Emirates on Wednesday, and there are concerns about his availability for the Community Shield game against his former club, Manchester City, on August 6.
After the win against Barcelona, Arteta confirmed that Zinchenko is still struggling with the injury but expressed hope that he will recover and be available again in the near future.
"Alex had a little muscular issue, unfortunately. I think he will be back soon but it's a shame he hasn't been with us the whole tour," he said about the Ukraine international, via Sportbible.
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