Martin Zubimendi sidelined for Spain’s game against Egypt, adds to Arsenal injury woes
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have confirmed that Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has suffered a knee injury.
Zubimendi will miss Tuesday’s international friendly match with Egypt at the RCDE Stadium. He played just 13 minutes of the 3-0 victory over Serbia last Friday.
He is now doubtful for Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter-final clash at Southampton on Saturday and the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Sporting CP.
The 27-year-old has yet to miss a game due to injury since his summer move from Real Sociedad. He has played 44 times across all competitions, registering nine goal involvements.
Zubimendi has been pivotal to Arsenal’s success this term. Manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping to get him fit for the final stretch of the season.
Arteta are also sweating over the fitness of several other key players ahead of the season run-in.
Noni Madueke suffered an injury during England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice withdrew from the Three Lions’ squad over fitness concerns.
Piero Hincapie, Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Gabriel are also on the treatment table.
Despite losing to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal are still on course to win three trophies, but cannot afford to have several players injured.
They hold a nine-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League and should win the title.
However, FA Cup and Champions League successes are far from guaranteed, and their growing injury list complicates their challenge.