Christos Tzolis has handed Arsenal and Mikel Arteta another injury concern after being forced off during Greece’s clash with the Netherlands.
Arsenal winger Christos Tzolis was substituted just 18 minutes into Greece’s international fixture after appearing to suffer a hamstring problem.
The summer signing went down clutching the back of his thigh, with his shirt pulled over his face as he appeared visibly distressed. After receiving treatment, Tzolis looked as though he wanted to continue, but Greece head coach Ivan Jovanovic opted not to take the risk and replaced him with Giorgos Masouras.
The nature and severity of the injury remain unclear, leaving Arsenal waiting for further assessment before determining whether Tzolis will be available when club football resumes.
Another concern for Arteta
Tzolis has made an encouraging start since joining Arsenal from Club Brugge during the summer. The 24-year-old has quickly established himself as an attacking option for Arteta and has provided several assists during the opening weeks of the campaign.
His latest setback comes at an awkward time for Arsenal, with Kai Havertz already back at London Colney after suffering a suspected hamstring strain while on Germany duty. The forward is now a doubt for Arsenal’s meeting with Leeds United next weekend.
Martin Odegaard also caused concern during the international break after a late tackle from Bernardo Silva raised fears over a possible ankle problem. Norway manager Stale Solbakken subsequently eased those concerns, with the Arsenal captain going on to start his country’s latest match against Wales.
Ezri Konsa missed England training earlier in the week but was fit enough to make the bench against Czechia on Tuesday, while Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad because of load management.
Arsenal’s defensive picture
Arteta is already managing several defensive absences.
Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and William Saliba remain unavailable. There has, however, been a positive development regarding Saliba, with reports in France claiming the centre-back is targeting a return to training in November.
Arsenal are expected to take a cautious approach with Saliba given the back problem that has kept him out for several months. Mosquera, meanwhile, is expected to be fit for the Leeds fixture after not playing since the victory over Aston Villa.
Piero Hincapie is another fitness concern after his surprise omission from the squad against Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup. He travelled with the team to Brighton several days later, but his availability remains uncertain.
Jurrien Timber has returned to action but is being carefully managed following his long absence. He played a 10-minute cameo against Serbia before being named in Greece’s starting XI for Thursday’s match.
Read More: Viktor Gyokeres sends clear Arsenal message to Mikel Arteta after Sweden goals
Tzolis absence could leave Arteta short
Should Tzolis suffer a significant injury, Arteta’s options on the left could become increasingly limited.
Eberechi Eze appears the most obvious alternative, while Noni Madueke can also operate on that side. However, Madueke has largely been used as Bukayo Saka’s deputy on the right as Arsenal manage his workload.
There have been positives during the international break. Viktor Gyokeres has scored in both of Sweden’s Nations League victories; Bruno Guimaraes found the net for Brazil against Australia, while Mikel Merino registered an assist during his 33-minute appearance for Spain in their 4-1 victory over Croatia.
For Arsenal, though, the immediate focus will be on the extent of Tzolis’ injury and whether the winger can return in time for the Premier League fixture against Leeds