Charles Watts has backed Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko to return to action on Friday night.
The Goal.com Gunners correspondent shared an update on the left-back on his YouTube channel.
Zinchenko missed Arsenal’s 2-2 draw away at West Ham at the weekend, with Kieran Tierney playing instead.
The £35million Gunners ace had picked up an injury against Liverpool the week before.
Watts said Zinchenko could actually have played against the Hammers, but Mikel Arteta erred on the side of caution.
The journalist now expects the Ukraine international to return to the starting XI against Southampton at the Emirates.
“Zinchenko is definitely more positive,” said Watts.
“I’m expecting Zinchenko to play against Southampton on Friday night.
“He did travel with the squad to West Ham, he was there. The expectation is he will be alright.
“From what I’ve been, told they could’ve patched him up and played him against West Ham.
“But they chose not to, to err on the side of caution.
“The expectation is that he’ll be back to play on Friday night.”
Our view
It’s great to hear that Zinchenko looks set to be available for Friday’s huge game at the Emirates.
Southampton may be bottom of the table, but it’s nearing last-chance saloon for them, so they’ll put up a fight.
Resting Zinchenko should be a good decision in the long run, with Arsenal now set for seven cup finals.
Had the 26-year-old played against the Hammers, he was more likely to risk reaggravating his injury.
Now Zinchenko appears to be fully fit and hopefully he can now play the rest of the season at full fitness.
The Gunners are still top of the table, but Manchester City are four points behind with a game in hand.
We’re heading into the business end of the season and things will get exciting and nerve-wracking.
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