Europa League

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Europa League | Group Stage

Nov 3, 2022 at 8pm UK

Emirates Stadium

Arsenal
1 - 0
FC Zurich

Tierney (17')
Magalhaes (90+6')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Aliti (31'), Katic (49'), Conde (62')

Arsenal handed double injury boost ahead of Zurich, Chelsea clashes

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 02 November 2022

Arsenal duo Bukyo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko both train on Wednesday in a major double boost for the Gunners' upcoming games with FC Zurich and Chelsea.

Arsenal have been handed a major double injury boost after Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko were pictured in training ahead of Thursday's Europa League tie with FC Zurich.

Saka has been an ever-present in Mikel Arteta's ranks so far this season, but concern was raised when he had to come off early with a foot injury against Nottingham Forest.

The 21-year-old's replacement Reiss Nelson came on to score twice and set up another in the 5-0 thumping of Tricky Trees, but Saka headed straight down the tunnel after being withdrawn.

Arsenal and England fans nervously awaited updates on Saka's condition ahead of the World Cup, but Arteta was confident that the attacker had not sustained any serious damage.

Now, the Gunners have received a major boost after Saka was seen joining the team for training on Wednesday afternoon as Arteta's side prepare for their Group A finale.

🔴 Arsenal train ahead of their European tie 👇

✅ Bukayo Saka

✅ Oleksandr Zinchenko
✅ Mohamed Elneny

All in attendance pic.twitter.com/2TwuvxiQvR
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 2, 2022

As a result, Saka could be a part of the squad for Thursday's game and will seemingly be fine to take his place in the starting lineup for Sunday's Premier League encounter with Chelsea.

The England international is unlikely to be risked from the off in Europe, though, with Nelson and Marquinhos both vying for starts as Arteta rings the changes.

Saka's return was not the only fitness boost that Arsenal received at London Colney, as Zinchenko was back out on the grass as he battles his way back from a calf injury.

The 25-year-old has endured an injury-plagued start to life at the Emirates since arriving from Manchester City and has not played since the North London derby at the start of the month.

Zinchenko has missed Arsenal's last eight games in all tournaments and has only played six matches for the club in total, with Takehiro Tomiyasu filling in at left-back in recent weeks.

Oleksandr Zinchenko in action for Arsenal on July 30, 2022 © Reuters

However, the Ukraine international is now edging closer to a comeback, but Arteta will not be expected to risk him from the start against Zurich, with Kieran Tierney aiming to come back into the fray.

With Zinchenko and Saka now back in training alongside Mohamed Elneny - who has recovered from a hamstring injury much quicker than expected - only Emile Smith Rowe and Matt Turner could be absent for Arsenal this week.

Smith Rowe is unlikely to be back in training before December after undergoing groin surgery, while Turner was ruled out of last week's defeat to PSV Eindhoven with an issue in the same area.

Aaron Ramsdale should therefore be given the nod in goal against Zurich, where Arsenal simply need to match or better PSV's result against Bodo/Glimt to top the group and qualify for the last 16.

Following Thursday's game, Arsenal will then attempt to retain their grip on top spot in the Premier League table against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday lunchtime.