Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is a doubt for this weekend’s match against Crystal Palace.
The Ukrainian international has not played since the 2-0 home defeat to West Ham last month due to a calf problem and he has not been pictured in training during the Gunners’ trip to Dubai.
Zinchenko is said to be working hard on his fitness ahead of the Palace game but it’s looking unlikely that he will start on Saturday lunchtime.
There is better news for Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian sustained a minor knee injury which meant he was unable to face Liverpool in the FA Cup tie at the Emirates.
However, the striker has been back out on training pitch in Dubai so there is every chance that he will be available for selection against the Eagles.
Estimated Return Date – Saturday 20th January v Crystal Palace
Fabio Vieira has stepped up his recovery after a groin injury. The Portuguese midfielder underwent surgery in November and manager Mikel Arteta has stated that he should return after the winter break.
There is an outside chance that he will available this weekend but it is more likely that his comeback will come at the end of this month.
Estimated Return Date – Tuesday 30th January v Nottingham Forest
Thomas Partey was left out of Ghana’s squad for the African Cup of Nations and he has still not been seen back out on the training pitch.
It does suggest that the midfielder won’t be ready to play again until next month. He has not played since October after undergoing an operation on a thigh injury.
Estimated Return Date – Sunday 4th February v Liverpool
Jurrien Timber has been pictured back out on the grass in Dubai as he continues his rehabilitation from an ACL injury he picked up back in August.
Fans should, however, not expect the Netherlands international to be back in contention in the next couple of months.
