The Arsenal manager faced the press ahead of the game with Crystal Palace at the weekend. His side had just come back from a winter break which was spent in Dubai helping to refocus his side in the warm weather following a poor patch of form.
When asked for the latest team news he said: “We still have a few on that list that we have unfortunately not been able to get back.” That list certainly will include the likes of Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira.
However, Zinchenko was a player that ahead of Liverpool Arteta was hopeful of getting back soon. Although the Ukrainian was not available for the game and when asked about the full-back he batted the question away. “Individually I’m not going to tell you exactly how everyone is," he said.
If Zinchenko is not available then it is likely that Jakub Kiwior will again be used in the left-back role. He started the games against Fulham and Liverpool and has come in for some scrutiny having been substituted at half-time in west London and scoring an own goal in the cup exit to Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Arteta was asked about seeing Timber on the grass in Dubai. Despite rumours of a return next month on social media, Arteta was keen to ground expectations but did provide some hope we may see the Dutchman before the end of the season.
"There is a possibility," he said when asked if Timber will play again. "But at the moment he’s still really far from competing and that’s the realistic picture of it.
"We’re hopeful that he can have an impact at the end of the season if everything goes well there looks like a chance that can happen but I think it’s too early to make that call."
Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace kicks off at 12:30pm BST on Saturday. football.london will have all the updates in our matchday blog from four hours before kick-off.
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