Arsenal have four injury concerns to contend with - but Oleksandr Zinchenko could be available for them against Crystal Palace on Monday night
Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has stepped up his comeback before the Premier League meeting against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night.
Zinchenko, 26, did not play for the Gunners in pre-season due to a calf injury and he also missed their curtain raiser vs Nottingham Forest, which resulted in a 2-1 victory. However, the Ukraine international was able to feature during the midweek behind-closed-doors friendly with Luton Town.
It was a welcome boost for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and, especially so, amid the unfortunate news summer signing Jurrien Timber will be missing for several months. Timber has ruptured his ACL and the Gunners might have to return to the market as a result.
For the time being, though, Arteta must rely on in-house options to replace the former Ajax man and, on the basis he's passed fit, Zinchenko ought to be front and centre in that regard having been first choice left-back last season. Here, football.london brings you our latest round-up from the Arsenal treatment table;
Injury: Calf
Return date: August 21 vs Crystal Palace (A)
What Arteta has said: "Alex has been doing really well. He's been training with us and, hopefully, we're going to have him very, very soon."
Injury: Knee
Return date: TBC
What Arteta has said: "It's a bit early, still, less than two weeks since the operation. Hopefully he can start to do some stuff next week. He's doing really well to be fair, but it's something we're going to be cautious with to make sure he comes back in the right way."
Injury: Knee
Return date: 2024
What Arteta has said: "Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. To have the injury he has is a huge blow. We recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident, but he's not going to be able to do it this season. We have to adapt. These things happen, unfortunately, and we have to move on."
Injury: Knee
Return date: TBC
Also recovering at London Colney: Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nicolas Pepe, Cedric Soares, Nuno Tavares.