Ex-Ukraine coach explains Zinchenko doubts | OneFootball

Oleksandr Zinchenko didn’t feature in Ukraine’s opening game of the international break, and former national team coach Leonid Buryak believes he knows why.

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Oleksandr Zinchenko was one of 13 Arsenal players to head off on international duty last week, but he’s the only one yet to take to the pitch.

Ukraine played out a 1-1 draw with Georgia over the weekend, and Zinchenko was named on the bench for the fixture. Despite appearing to be over his recent injury, the left-back wasn’t utilised at any point in the 90 minutes.

Speaking to the media, former Ukraine coach Leonid Buryak suggested the problem is that Zinchenko is one of a few players not playing regular minutes for his club.

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“[Khvicha] Kvaratskhelia (of Georgia) constantly plays for Napoli,” Buryak began. “He is a main player for the Neapolitans. Khvicha is in form.

“As for the current condition of Mudryk, Zinchenko, Yaremchuk, we do not know. They do not have regular playing practice. And when players do not play, their game tone is lowered.

“The team needs fresh, healthy players who will take the field and give their all in the match, meeting the coach’s requirements.”

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It’s hard to assess exactly where Zinchenko is with regards to fitness right now, because he wouldn’t necessarily be Mikel Arteta’s first-choice left-back even without the injuries.

Riccardo Calafiori looks to be the number-one pick, but his own injury means we can’t be sure. Takehiro Tomiyasu is another injured option. Then Arteta has also preferred to use Jurrien Timber there in recent matches.

Even Myles Lewis-Skelly has come on ahead of Zinchenko at times, but it’s difficult to know whether that was a decision based on ability/tactics or fitness.

All we can say for sure is that Zinchenko has played just 91 minutes for Arsenal since the start of September. It’s understandable that Ukraine would have doubts about relying on his match sharpness.

Ukraine face Albania in their final Nations League group game on Tuesday at 19:45 GMT, needing a win to avoid relegation from League B.