Zinchenko may face Scotland – or maybe he won’t
Ukraine’s star man, Oleksandr Zinchenko, is at the centre of a bizarre club versus country mystery.
The Arsenal utility player was the outstanding player on the pitch as Scotland lost 3-1 the World Cup semifinal play-off in June.
But he was already suspended for Wednesday’s Nations League clash between the two countries at Hampden after picking up bookings in Ukraine’s previous two ties against Armenia and the Republic of Ireland.
The Ukraine FA have now revealed Zinchenko won’t be fit to play in the return tie in Krakow, Poland on Tuesday week due to injury.
But his Gunners boss, Mikel Arteta, has curiously refused to rule him out of today’s Premier League clash against Brentford.
The Ukrainian FA announced that the former Manchester City star won’t be part of their squad for their games after picking up a calf injury in training.
They stated: “Oleksandr suffered a calf muscle injury during training at the club, which will require about two weeks for treatment and recovery.
“He immediately personally informed the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Petrakov, of the unfortunate news by calling him.
“We wish Oleksandr a very speedy recovery.”
However, the news appeared to surprise his club boss, Arteta, who refused to rule the 25-year-old out of their game at Brentford.
Arteta said: “We have to wait until Sunday to make that decision.
“What we have decided to do for him on the international week doesn’t mean that we’re going to say the same for the weekend.
“It’s something we will address on Sunday.”
It’s the latest injury blow for Ukraine, who are already missing Dynamo Kyiv star, Mykola Shaparenko, and team-mate, keeper Heorhiy Bushchan, for their two games against Scotland and their tie against Armenia.