Oleksandr Zinchenko ruled out of Arsenal v West Ham United clash
West Ham have been handed a boost ahead of this afternoon’s Premier League clash against Arsenal after Oleksandr Zinchenko was ruled out injured.
The Ukraine international has been a regular starter for Mikel Arteta’s side this season at left-back, but picked up a groin injury in the draw with Arsenal and won’t play today.
William Saliba is also out of the game alongside Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny, but Eddie Nketiah is expected to feature.
“Zinchenko to miss Arsenal’s game vs West Ham this afternoon after picking up groin issue against Liverpool,” The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell wrote on his personal Twitter account (16 April).
“Not thought to be serious but club choosing to protect him. Arsenal also still without Saliba at the back.”
Great
It’s a huge positive for West Ham that Arsenal are going to be without two of their regular starters in defence for this game, because we need a win.
The Gunners have been absolutely flying this season and sit top of the league by three points currently, with Zinchenko being one of their stand out performers this season.
But while Zinchenko will miss out, it means Kieran Tierney is likely to step into the starting lineup in his place and he also offers a big threat albeit a different one.
The Hammers know they need a positive result from this game after the results of the teams around us on Saturday, with a victory opening up a six point gap between ourselves and the relegation zone.
It’s a big ask no matter what, but with Arsenal suffering with injuries there may not be a better time to play them and go for a result than against a weakened back line.