Oleksandr Zinchenko is’very’ close to returning to full health, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, but the Gunners will be without Gabriel Jesus for a while.
Zinchenko missed the Gunners’ victory over Nottingham Forest on opening weekend as he continues to recover from a calf injury he suffered in May.
Since coming from Manchester City last season, the Ukraine captain has been a fan favourite, and now that Jurrien Timber is injured, his position in the team is even more crucial.
The good news is that Arteta claims the defender is getting closer to making a comeback.
On Thursday morning, Arteta told reporters, “He’s been training with us and hopefully we’re going to have him available very, very soon.”
Less encouraging news was reported regarding Jesus, who has been sidelined for the past two weeks due to having to have knee surgery.
The Brazilian is still a ways off from playing for the first squad, Arteta acknowledges.
“Gabby [Jesus] is still not available and not fit, but the rest are all good,” the Spaniard stated.