Is Oleksandr Zinchenko fit for Arsenal?
Well, he’s getting there.
Arsenal brought their Ukraine international on the warm-weather training camp in Dubai during the World Cup break.
But the former Manchester City left-back – a £35 million summer signing [Football London] – was often photographed in the gym and didn’t appear to get through much outdoor work, with his teammates.
He was in attendance for the friendly against AC Milan this week, but Zinchenko wasn’t even named among the substitutes, indicating that he wasn’t ready to return.
However, an exciting photograph has emerged from London Colney over the past 24 hours.
With a snood covering half his face, Zinchenko was spotted outside at Arsenal’s training base on Friday afternoon, ahead of this evening’s clash with Juventus in North London.
Zinchenko also had boots on and although he didn’t appear to train with his teammates, the fact he is running outdoors is a positive step in the right direction.
Arsenal have a Premier League title to win during the second half of the campaign and it goes without saying that their chances of going all the way are much better if the former City defender – who can play midfield – is available for selection.
It’s been a very stop-start first six months with the Gunners, but this image is undeniably one of progress and that’s a big reason to be cheerful.
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