Oleksandr Zinchenko close to Arsenal return as Mikel Arteta explains Bukayo Saka absence | OneFootball

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ikel Arteta revealed that illness prevented Bukayo Saka from featuring against Monaco, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is nearing a return to Arsenal action.

The Gunners were held 1-1 by the French side in the Emirates Cup clash, as Eddie Nketiah cancelled out Youssouf Fofana’s opener on Wednesday night. Aaron Ramsdale made the decisive save in the penalty shootout that followed and Gabriel converted the winning spot-kick as Arsenal won it 5-4 to lift the trophy.

There was worrying injury news ahead of kick-off as it was confirmed that Gabriel Jesus would miss out with a knee injury, one that the Brazilian has had a “little procedure” on in an attempt to resolve the discomfort.

More concern arose as Saka, named on the bench at the Emirates, was one of just four Arsenal substitutes not to come on in the second half, with Arteta explaining that decision after the match.

“He was fine, but after he wasn’t feeling great on the bench,” the Arsenal boss said. “We didn’t want to use him. I think he had some sickness or some illness or something so we could not use him.”

Arteta will hope that Saka makes a swift recovery, with the focus now swiftly turning to Sunday’s Community Shield showdown against Manchester City.

Former City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has not played a single minute in pre-season due to injury, but there was a more positive update on the Ukrainian’s status after the game against Monaco.

“He’s close,” Arteta said. “I think he’s going to start training with the team and hopefully we will have him back very soon.”