The situation at Arsenal is becoming increasingly alarming, with the announcement of midfielder Martin Zubimendi’s withdrawal from the Spanish national team due to a knee problem. This marks the tenth player from the Gunners to leave their international duties, raising concerns about the fitness of the squad as the season progresses. Zubimendi, who had a brief appearance in the 3-0 victory over Serbia, was substituted by Rodri in the 77th minute and, instead of joining the team for the match against Egypt, will return to London early.
The statement from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) was clear: Zubimendi is experiencing “discomfort in his right knee” and, to preserve his health, a cautious withdrawal was decided upon. This gesture reflects the growing concern for the physical integrity of players, especially at a time when Arsenal is competing for three titles.
Zubimendi has been a key player in Mikel Arteta’s team, participating in all 31 matches of the Premier League, with five goals and one assist to his name. However, his departure is just the tip of the iceberg. The list of injuries continues to grow, with Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie being the latest to be sidelined, after 72 minutes on the field in the 1-1 draw against Morocco. The Ecuadorian federation also reported that Hincapie and Denil Castillo underwent medical examinations, resulting in their withdrawal to begin recovery processes.
With Arsenal fighting intensely for titles at this stage of the season, the alarming number of ten players sidelined is a cause for concern. Among those who have withdrawn are English players Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who were set to join the Three Lions for the clash against Japan. Both were rested by Thomas Tuchel in the recent match against Uruguay but ended up being forced to leave the national team. Forward Noni Madueke also sustained an injury during the same match, leaving Tuchel visibly disheartened: “I’m very sad and upset, and I hope it’s not a serious injury.”
In addition to these, Eberechi Eze, who withdrew due to a calf injury, could be out for a month. Players such as Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Jurrien Timber also pulled out of international duty for health reasons.
It is intriguing to note that of the ten players who withdrew, seven were starters in the recent EFL Cup final, where Arsenal lost 2-0 to Manchester City. This fact raises questions about squad management and the physical strain players are subjected to.
As Arsenal prepares to return to action next week, facing Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Mikel Arteta and his team urgently need to avoid further injuries. This competition represents a crucial opportunity for the club, which finds itself in a strong position in the Premier League title race, currently leading Manchester City by nine points.
The upcoming challenges for Arsenal are intense and demanding, including matches in the Champions League and the Premier League. The schedule is tight, and the possibility of fixture congestion is real, especially if the team progresses in the competitions. The FA Cup semifinals are scheduled for April 25/26, and the final will take place on May 16, while Champions League games are also rapidly approaching, with the semifinals set for the end of April.
As Arsenal moves forward, the need to take care of the players’ health has never been more critical. What lies ahead for the London club will be a test of both physical and mental endurance, and effective squad management will be essential to achieving the desired success.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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