'A mark of respect' - Oleksandr Zinchenko named Arsenal captain for Premier League clash against Leicester City

Oleksandr Zinchenko has been named Arsenal captain for their Premier League match away at Leicester City to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine conflict. The Gunners announced the news on their social media channels and said the move was made “as a mark of respect,” with Zinchenko temporarily taking the armband away from Granit Xhaka. Ad The statement read: “Alex Zinchenko is our captain today, as a mark of respect and love on the first anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine.” Premier LeagueArteta upbeat on Jesus' return to fitness — 'He's really pushing the boundaries'21 HOURS AGO Mikel Arteta has replaced Eddie Nketiah with Gabriel Martinelli in the only change to the side that beat Aston Villa 4-2 last Saturday.

Thomas Partey has returned to the squad and takes his place on the bench after recovering from a thigh injury. Partey missed the 3-1 defeat at home to title rivals Manchester City and the victory against Villa. A win for Arsenal at the King Power Stadium would move Arteta’s men five points clear at the top of the table before Manchester City face Bournemouth later on this evening.

A victory would certainly add to the feel-good factor at the Emirates, after reports emerged that Bukayo Saka has agreed a new deal at the club. Arteta was not in a position to confirm the news, but stressed the need to keep the club’s best players. “We want to keep our best players, the players that we are developing,” Arteta explained.