Arsenal await final verdict on key forward after latest medical tests
Arsenal forward Christos Tzolis is returning to north London for further assessment after suffering a hamstring injury while representing Greece.
The 24-year-old had felt tightness in the back of his right thigh and initially attempted to continue despite the problem.
Greece head coach Ivan Jovanovic ultimately intervened after consulting his medical staff and instructed Tzolis to leave the pitch rather than risk aggravating the injury.
Tzolis will now miss Greece’s Nations League meeting with Germany on Sunday and return to Arsenal, where the club’s medical team will assess the extent of the damage.
Initial medical examinations carried out in Greece have reportedly indicated a low-grade hamstring problem, raising hopes that the winger has avoided a lengthy absence.
Arsenal will nevertheless want to conduct their own assessment before determining exactly how long Tzolis could be unavailable.
Jovanovic revealed after the Netherlands match that the forward had actually been reluctant to come off.
“We don’t know how much damage was done today, but I hoped it was just a twitch, something temporary,” the Greece boss said.
The injury came shortly after Tzolis thought he had given Greece the lead, only for his effort to be ruled out because Vangelis Pavlidis was offside in the build-up.
His early return represents another concern for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during an international period that has already produced several fitness scares.
Kai Havertz has suffered a hamstring problem with Germany, while Martin Odegaard required scans after hurting his ankle following a late challenge from Bernardo Silva during Norway’s defeat to Portugal.
Tzolis has quickly established himself in Arteta’s plans since completing a £34million move from Club Brugge in July, a deal which represented a Belgian Pro League record.
The Greece international has appeared in all eight of Arsenal’s competitive matches this season and registered four assists, having also impressed during pre-season and the Community Shield.
His availability will now be closely monitored ahead of Arsenal’s return to Premier League action against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on October 10.
The Gunners therefore have just over a week before that fixture, but Tzolis’ early departure from international duty gives Arsenal’s medical staff the opportunity to establish the severity of the injury and oversee his rehabilitation themselves.
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