Oleksandr Zinchenko misses Arsenal’s trip to West Ham with a groin injury in a blow for Mikel Arteta

Oleksandr Zinchenko misses Arsenal‘s game at West Ham on Sunday afternoon with a groin injury.

Instead, Zinchenko’s place in Arsenal’s starting XI against West Ham has been taken by Kieran Tierney – the only change that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made since last week’s score draw with Liverpool.

The setback is a late blow to Arteta, but it is not set to leave the Ukrainian on the sidelines for too long.

The former Manchester City defender could feature in Friday’s Premier League clash against Southampton, but he is absent from the clash at the London Stadium.  

Arsenal travel to West Ham’s London Stadium in the Premier League’s first kick-off of Sunday. 

Oleksandr Zinchenko misses out on Arsenal’s visit to the London Stadium with a groin injury

Kieran Tierney replaces Zinchenko in Arsenal’s only change from last week’s Liverpool draw

Speaking before kick-off, Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports: ‘It’s a blow. Zinchenko has been a huge player for them this season, he’s been one of the standout players in the league, that role he plays from left-back going into midfield that he picked up at Man City. 

‘Tierney is a top back up, he was seen as one of Arsenal’s top players a couple of years ago, he’s had a lot of injury problems and that’s why Arteta went into the transfer market for Zinchenko.’ 

The title-chasing Gunners need every point they can during their league run-in, especially after Manchester City‘s 3-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday evening.

Mikel Arteta could play the Ukrainian on Friday night, as it is not set to be a lengthy absence

Zinchenko picked up the groin knock last week during their enthralling 2-2 draw at Anfield, with Liverpool coming from two goals down to steal a point in the closing minutes.

Arteta has chosen not to risk Zinchenko this week, but as the concern is not meant to be a lengthy one, he could feature in their next game on Friday. 

The Gunners have reportedly decided to put new contract talks with Arteta on hold so that the club’s players and management can focus on their title bid.

Arsenal lead the Premier League, and are seeking their first top-flight title in the men’s game since the 2003-2004 campaign.