Why is Oleksandr Zinchenko missing from Arsenal squad against Tottenham?

Arsenal have been dealt yet another untimely injury blow, as Oleksandr Zinchenko is missing from the squad to face North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The Ukraine international was expected to be part of the team for the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, most likely on the bench as Jurrien Timber's deputy at left-back.

However, when the Gunners' team sheet was released, Zinchenko was a notable and unexpected absentee, as Mikel Arteta did not mention an injury for him in his pre-game press conference.

Arsenal confirmed that the former Manchester City man is nursing a calf problem, though, robbing the visitors of another versatile option in defence and midfield amid their ongoing fitness crisis.

Captain Martin Odegaard has also failed to make the cut due to his ankle problem, while the suspended Declan Rice is also out of contention alongside Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney.

With so few senior options available, Arteta has named five teenagers on the Arsenal bench, as the recalled Jorginho captains the visitors in a hotchpotch engine room also comprising Thomas Partey and either Leandro Trossard or Kai Havertz.

> Click here to see how Arsenal and Tottenham line up for the North London derby