Arsenal are back in action this weekend as the Premier League leaders prepare for an interesting showdown against Brentford in what should be a tricky fixture.
The last time the Gunners visited the West London side, Arteta's men lost 2-0. While that encounter on Matchweek 1 of last season came under a totally different context due to injuries and COVID-19, Thomas Frank's men are just as capable of pulling off an upset, which they showed in their 4-0 victory over Manchester United earlier on in the campaign.
As a result, the north London giants will need to be at their best if they are to avoid a second consecutive defeat in the Premier League, having lost 3-1 against the Red Devils in their last outing. Sadly, one key player has fallen victim to injury and will thus miss the clash with the Bees.
That man is none other than Oleksandr Zinchenko, one of Arsenal's many summer signings. The Ukrainian has been nothing short of stellar for the Gunners but has already run into fitness concerns at the Emirates Stadium.
The former Man City man missed back-to-back games against Fulham and Aston Villa late last month, which the team won 2-1, and returned for the defeat at Old Trafford. However, the 25-year-old finds himself back on the treatment table and looks destined to miss Sunday's game.
While his initial issue was a knee injury, this time, the midfielder turned left-back has suffered a calf muscle problem, which was confirmed by the Ukrainian football federation, thus ruling him out for September's international break as well.
"Oleksandr Zinchenko will not be able to help the blue and yellow during the September matches in the UEFA Nations League," the official statement read, as per the Sun.
"The Arsenal player suffered a calf muscle injury during training at the club which will require two weeks for treatment and recovery.
"Oleksandr immediately personally informed the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Petrakov, of the unfortunate news by calling him. We wish Sashka a speedy recovery."
Despite all of this, Arteta was reluctant to rule out Zinchenko for Sunday's trip to Brentford, instead saying they must wait until Saturday before making a decision. When asked about the summer signing's fitness during his pre-match press conference, Mikel had this to say (as per the club's official website):
"Again, we have to wait until tomorrow to make that decision.
"What we have decided to do for the international break, doesn't mean that we are going to say the same for the weekend, so it's something we will address tomorrow."
However, in regards to Emile Smith Rowe, the Spanish manager was more straightforward, all but confirming the Englishman's absence due to an ongoing groin issue. As for Ben White, Arteta, who was named the Premier League Manager of the Month for August, dispelled the rumors that the former Brighton man was struggling with an injury.
Arsenal currently top the table, boasting 15 points from their opening six games. However, with Man City and Tottenham being only a point behind in second and third, respectively, Jesus and Co. know they must return to winning ways immediately or risk plummeting down the standings.
