In a significant boost for Arsenal, Oleksandr Zinchenko played a brief part in the Game4Ukraine charity match, marking a potential return from an injury that kept him out of the pitch since March.

  • Oleksandr Zinchenko participates in the Game4Ukraine charity match.
  • Zinchenko’s involvement helps raise funds for Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts.
  • Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about Zinchenko’s imminent return for Arsenal.
Team Yellow's captain, Ukrainian midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko is congratulated by Team Yellow's German coach Arsene Wenger as he is substituted off during the Game4Ukraine fundraising football match between Oleksandr Zinchenko's team and Andriy Shevchenko's team at Stamford Bridge in London, on August 5, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Team Yellow’s captain, Ukrainian midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko is congratulated by Team Yellow’s German coach Arsene Wenger as he is substituted off during the Game4Ukraine fundraising football match between Oleksandr Zinchenko’s team and Andriy Shevchenko’s team at Stamford Bridge in London, on August 5, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Oleksandr Zinchenko, an essential figure at Arsenal, showcased his commitment both on and off the pitch by playing in the Game4Ukraine charity match held at Stamford Bridge.

Collaborating with Andriy Shevchenko, the duo’s primary aim was to generate funds to rebuild Ukraine’s facilities and infrastructure, gravely affected by Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Arsenal’s earlier statement had suggested Zinchenko might only participate in a non-playing capacity due to his injury.

Having missed Arsenal’s last three Premier League matches the previous season because of a calf issue, Zinchenko’s 11-minute presence in the charity match is a positive sign.

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Team Yellow's captain, Ukrainian midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko (C) reacts with Team Yellow's English midfielder Jack Wilshere (R) as he leaves the pitch after being substituted off during the Game4Ukraine fundraising football match between Oleksandr Zinchenko's team and Andriy Shevchenko's team at Stamford Bridge in London, on August 5, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Team Yellow’s captain, Ukrainian midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko (C) reacts with Team Yellow’s English midfielder Jack Wilshere (R) as he leaves the pitch after being substituted off during the Game4Ukraine fundraising football match between Oleksandr Zinchenko’s team and Andriy Shevchenko’s team at Stamford Bridge in London, on August 5, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The decision, which came just a day before the Community Shield, was made possible after Arsenal granted him the necessary permissions.

“I feel much better and trained with the team yesterday,” Zinchenko stated after the game, signalling his enthusiasm to get back to action.

The player’s absence during the Gunners’ pre-season was palpable, and his potential return is eagerly awaited.

As the new season beckons, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad is shaping up, and Zinchenko’s recovery is timely.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Jack Wilshere of Yellow Team controls the ball during the Game4Ukraine charity match at Stamford Bridge on August 05, 2023 in London, England. Legend Andriy Shevchenko, Arsenal player and Ukraine captain Oleksandr Zinchenko, with the support of President Zelenskyy's UNITED24 initiative, will be joined by leading players and icons from the world of TV, sport, film and music in aid of Ukraine. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Jack Wilshere of Yellow Team controls the ball during the Game4Ukraine charity match at Stamford Bridge on August 05, 2023 in London, England. Legend Andriy Shevchenko, Arsenal player and Ukraine captain Oleksandr Zinchenko, with the support of President Zelenskyy’s UNITED24 initiative, will be joined by leading players and icons from the world of TV, sport, film and music in aid of Ukraine. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)

While he is unlikely to be involved against Manchester City, Mikel Arteta’s recent comments reveal optimism.

“He’s close,” Arteta remarked, suggesting Zinchenko would soon join team training.

Zinchenko’s personal target? “To get as fit as possible as soon as I can, and then of course to stay fit throughout the season,” he said, highlighting the importance of consistent fitness.

The Game 4 Ukraine Impact Beyond the sporting dimension, the Game 4 Ukraine event holds immense significance for Zinchenko.

He views it not only as a fundraising opportunity but also as a potent message to the global community about the resilience and spirit of Ukraine. “This event means a lot for me, and also for our country,” he remarked.

Wilshere goal ruled out

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Jack Wilshere of Yellow Team scores a disallowed goal during the Game4Ukraine charity match at Stamford Bridge on August 05, 2023 in London, England. Legend Andriy Shevchenko, Arsenal player and Ukraine captain Oleksandr Zinchenko, with the support of President Zelenskyy's UNITED24 initiative, will be joined by leading players and icons from the world of TV, sport, film and music in aid of Ukraine. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Jack Wilshere of Yellow Team scores a disallowed goal during the Game4Ukraine charity match at Stamford Bridge on August 05, 2023 in London, England. Legend Andriy Shevchenko, Arsenal player and Ukraine captain Oleksandr Zinchenko, with the support of President Zelenskyy’s UNITED24 initiative, will be joined by leading players and icons from the world of TV, sport, film and music in aid of Ukraine. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)

Jack Wilshere was the driving force behind Team Yellow during the first half, which wasn’t surprising given that he only retired the previous year.

Interestingly, he skipped the warm-up to have a chat with Jack Whitehall and made a joke about getting injured.

The ex-Arsenal standout was in good shape to begin the match and believed he had nailed the first goal.

The ball sailed in, and Wilshere, slipping by the defenders, tapped it past Cech and then slammed it home.

However, the assistant referee was quick to flag the goal offside.

With no VAR present to review the decision, a visibly agitated Wilshere gestured towards the assistant and voiced his frustrations to the main referee.

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