Arsenal are likely to be without utility man Oleksandr Zinchenko for this evening's Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt after the 25-year-old missed their final training session on Wednesday morning...

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According to football.london, all signs point towards Kieran Tierney starting against the Norwegian outfit at the Emirates Stadium tonight after the Ukraine star was absent as a precautionary measure.

Zinchenko started in the Gunners' 3-1 win over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, so his complete absence from the last session before kick-off is a worrying setback.

Blow for Arteta and co

He had featured in every Premier League outing since his £32m move from Manchester City in the summer before being ruled out against Fulham with what was reported to be a left knee sprain.

Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny were also absent from training.

With a resurgent Liverpool side on Sunday, manager Mikel Arteta could be holding Zinchenko back for that league encounter, though his absence will be sorely felt tonight as he's been a very crucial part of Arsenal's early-season success thus far.

Former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell lauded his impact to the side in an interview with Football Insider, where he described the versatile dynamo as the "ultimate full-back/midfielder" and a "breath of fresh air" - he added:

"Arsenal are controlling games a lot more easily because of it. Zinchenko is so good at tidying up counter-attacks as well. He keeps the team ticking.

"It has been incredible to watch the adjustment. Long may it continue because it is exciting."

Whilst Tierney is undoubtedly a solid full-back, he does not offer the same tenacious presence as Zinchenko, who leads the Scotsman for tackles (1.8 vs 0.7), interceptions (1 vs 0.7) and passing accuracy (88.7% vs 79.3%) per game in the top-flight this term, via WhoScored.

Also lauded as a "perfectionist" by Arteta, the £150k-per-week sensation has clearly been an important part of the Gunners' recent form as they top the domestic standings and they will surely be looking to keep that up in Europe, having started with two wins away from home in the competition.

Zinchenko's absence will make it harder for Arteta's side to assert attacking dominance along the right flank, though with Tierney likely to start, at least they'll remain solid.

Either way, to likely not have the Ukraine international available for this clash is a gutting blow to the Spanish head coach.

AND in other news, Arteta could land Fabregas 2.0 as Arsenal make contact for "line-breaking" £35m talent...