Arsenal handed major injury boost over £32m star, Arteta will be delighted

Arsenal have been handed a timely injury boost after defender Oleksandr Zinchenko missed their friendly win over Lyon in Dubai on Thursday.

Mikel Arteta's side made their return to action with a comfortable 3-0 victory. Gabriel Magalhaes, Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira all got on the scoresheet.

The squad was made up of players not involved in the World Cup, with the likes of Martin Odegaard, Kieran Tierney and Mohamed Elneny also starting the game.

Karl Jakob Hein, meanwhile, was given the nod between the sticks, with Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner both unavailable.

The Estonian kept a clean sheet, then saved four spot kicks in the penalty shootout, which is compulsory after every match in the Dubai Super Cup.

But there was a concern amongst fans when the teamsheet was announced, with Zinchenko not included in the squad.

The Ukraine full-back has missed plenty of action this term due to injury, although he did start Arsenal's final pre-World Cup Premier League game against Wolves.

Zinchenko, who joined the club for a £32m fee from Manchester City in the summer, was pictured in Arsenal training in Dubai on Monday, meaning his absence caused some nerves within the Gunners fanbase.

Zinchenko injury update given

Although it has been stated that Zinchenko is currently recovering ahead of the return of the Premier League on December 26, it fortunately appears the injury is not too serious.

Arsenal journalist Connor Humm has given an update on the defender's status, explaining: [Zinchenko] is training with the squad and getting back to full fitness.

"He's had some muscle tightness. He's expected to ready for West Ham on the 26th of December."

Should the 25-year-old return to full fitness in time for the Premier League clash, he will be competing with Tierney for the left-back spot.

The Scottish international did feature in the win over Lyon on Thursday, and has impressed Arsenal fans with his performances during Zinchenko's numerous absences this term.

The Gunners are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, ahead of second-placed Manchester City.