Oleksandr Zinchenko is reportedly back running again after his injury, but he’s yet to return to full training with Arsenal.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on August 13, 2022. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on August 13, 2022. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Arsenal summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko has missed his new club’s last seven games through a calf injury, and he’s set to miss an eighth on Thursday night when the Gunners travel to PSV Eindhoven.

The Evening Standard report that Zinchenko missed training on Wednesday and won’t be involved in the PSV clash.

But the good news is that Zinchenko has reportedly undertaken some running in recent days. The defender is yet to return to full training and Arsenal don’t want to rush his comeback, but it’s seemingly edging closer.

Arsenal are probably particularly cautious because Zinchenko was previously absent with a calf problem in September.

At the time, it didn’t seem too serious and the former Manchester City man returned to action in the north London derby, but he seemingly aggravated the problem and hasn’t played since.

In a long season with plenty of football still to come, Mikel Arteta will be keen to ensure that when Zinchenko does return, it’s not just for another game or two.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 05, 2022. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 05, 2022. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Arsenal have managed to get by in the meantime with Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu playing at left-back. But ideally, Tomiyasu would be free to play on the right.

It’s now a race against time for Zinchenko to play any part for Arsenal before the World Cup break, which starts on November 12th after their match against Wolves – just over two weeks from now.