following these strong performances, zelalem stated that he hoped to make a few appearances during the 2013–14 season. he remained in the team for the emirates cup match against galatasaray on august 4, but was unable to keep arsenal from sliding to a 2–1 defeat. zelalem was selected on the bench in arsenal's second premier league game of the season, a 3–1 victory over fulham on august 24, but did not make an appearance. however, on september 10 zelalem announced on twitter that he had sustained an injury that would keep him out of action for up to two months. although he announced his return to training in late october, arsène wenger confirmed that he would not be fit enough for the league cup match against chelsea on october 29, dismissing a previous rumor. he returned to action for arsenal's youth side a week later in a uefa youth league fixture against borussia dortmund on november 6, playing the entire match in a 2–2 draw.