‘I fully expect’: Arsenal told £32m player will return to starting XI against Crystal Palace

Follow us on Google Discover

Charles Watts says he ‘fully expects’ Oleksandr Zinchenko to make a return to the starting XI for Arsenal’s Monday night clash at Crystal Palace.

The 26-year-old missed Arsenal’s pre-season tour of America through injury, but he played in a behind-closed-door friendly against Luton Town last Thursday.

As a result, Arsenal-based journalist Watts says ‘I think he will start and come into the backline’, as he told his own YouTube channel.

Last summer, Oleksandr Zinchenko was snapped up by Mikel Arteta, and within months, he became a key member of the team’s side.

Well, the £32 million signing (Sky Sports) is even more important now following the cruel injury to summer capture, Jurrien Timber.

Nonetheless, ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Selhurst Park tonight, Watts dropped the following news on Zinchenko.

“Oleksandr Zinchenko, he played as well, in the behind-closed-door friendly on Thursday,” said Watts. “We haven’t seen him yet this season.

“But with Jurrien Timber out injured, then I would fully expect Zinchenko, providing he has had no setbacks, since playing that game against Luton behind-closed-doors, I think he will start and he will come into the backline.”

Can Arsenal maintain their positive start?

On the pitch, things have been looking pretty good for Arteta and his players, with the team making a perfect start, including beating Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Last season, Arsenal kicked off their Premier League title charge by winning 3-0 at Palace, as another three points tonight would mean that they, Brighton and Manchester City would be the only teams to make a 100% start.

But this isn’t going to be easy against a Palace side boosed by Michael Olise signing a new contract, as well as winning their opening Premier League game against Sheffield United.