Big blow to Arsenal: Zinchenko and Saliba close the season
Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes have been affected by injuries to William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Both defenders had performed well in Arsenal’s first challenge for the league title since 2004.
Saliba suffered a back injury in their Europa League round of 16 match against Sporting Lisbon in March, while Zinchenko was forced to leave the game with a calf problem in Sunday’s win against NewcastleUnited. While the duo’s injuries are significant enough to prevent them from playing again this season, neither is expected to undergo surgery.
Photo: Reuters.
Saliba has missed Arsenal’s last eight games and has previously made 33 appearances in all tournaments. In Zinchenko’s place, St. Kieran Tierney, who entered the match at James Park, will take charge in the absence of the Ukrainian footballer.
Rob Holding has often partnered Gabriel in midfield after Saliba was injured, but Pole Jakub Kiwior has made an appearance in the last two games, in wins against Chelsea and Newcastle.
Arsenal will play their next match against Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Oleksandr Zinchenko. Photo: Reuters.