Mikel Arteta has hinted he could be set to hand Oleksandr Zinchenko a new role at Arsenal due to a lack of fit midfield options.
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Arsenal midfield hit by injuryArteta short of optionsCould use Zinchenko in midfieldWHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal are without several key midfielders currently due to injury. Fabio Vieira has become the latest player to be sidelined after undergoing surgery on a groin injury. He joins Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey on Arsenal's injured list. The absences mean that Arteta could make a few tactical tweaks, with Zinchenko one player who could be set to feature in a more advanced position.
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Zinchenko is a versatile player and may now be deployed in a midfield role for Arsenal. The 26-year-old is no stranger to the role, as he tends to play there at international level for Ukraine, and usually needs no invitation to go forwards from his usual left-back slot at Arsenal. Arteta also pushed Zinchenko into midfield against Burnley after Fabio Vieira had been sent off and could now be set to do so again due to his lack of midfield options.
Getty ImagesWHAT ARTETA SAID
"He does play in that role coming from a different position in the attacking phase," Arteta told reporters. "He doesn’t play there in the defensive, stable situations, because we believe we have other players to use there. It is a possibility, it’s a good question, because he’s done it."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal can book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League next time out against Lens. The Gunners need only a point at the Emirates to secure qualification but will need no reminding they were beaten 2-1 by the Ligue 1 side in the reverse fixture. Zinchenko is expected to start for the Gunners against Lens, but fans will have to wait and see how Arteta decides to line up his team for the game.