Arsenal star pictured in training despite season-ending injury reports
Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has been pictured in training with the team just days after it was reported that he had suffered a season-ending injury.
Earlier this week, reports emerged stating a calf problem had brought an abrupt end to Zinchenko's season, with the Ukraine international expected to remain on the sidelines alongside centre-back William Saliba, who is yet to make any real progress with a back problem.
However, Arsenal have stressed that Zinchenko is still being assessed and manager Mikel Arteta has also refused to rule the left-back out unlike Saliba, whose extended absence was later confirmed by the boss.
"With William, it’s for sure that he’s not going to be fit for this game, and we doubt that he will be for the next game," he said. "But we want to keep the hope going and make sure we give ourselves the best chance to bring them back."
The uncertainty surrounding Zinchenko's fitness was further heightened when he was pictured participating in Saturday's training session, although just how involved the former Manchester City defender was is unclear.
Read the latest Arsenal news here
feed
While Zinchenko has been ruled out of Sunday's meeting with Brighton, there are now reports suggesting that a return before the end of the season could well be on the cards.
The Gunners have three games remaining this season, beginning with the Brighton game, with Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers also on the agenda as Arteta's side seek to catch Man City atop the Premier League table.
City are one point ahead, having played one game fewer, and may well need to win each of their remaining games to secure the title.
LISTEN NOW
On this edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth discuss the possibility of Neymar joining Newcastle, Jude Bellingham's decision on his future and Lionel Messi leaving PSG.
If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!