Martín Zubimendi
ARS
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
Feb 2, 1999 (27)
Right
5'11"
163 lb
Set to wear mask after broken nose
Zubimendi suffered a broken nose during Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory against Everton and is expected to wear a protective mask for Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash against Fleetwood Town, according to The Sun.
Analysis: Zubimendi sustained the injury after being struck in the face by Thierno Barry while challenging for the ball during Saturday's encounter against Everton. The Spanish midfielder, who entered as a substitute and played the final 10 minutes, required treatment for significant bleeding but managed to complete the match with tissue inserted into his right nostril. Subsequent reports indicate that he suffered a nasal fracture, meaning he will need a protective mask to continue playing while the injury heals. Zubimendi is expected to be considered for a starting role in Tuesday's Carabao Cup encounter against Fleetwood Town, having struggled for regular playing time this season in the Premier League or Champions League. The 27-year-old has made just one start across all competitions, against Ipswich in the previous Cup round, after falling behind Bruno Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal's midfield rotation. His latest setback follows an ankle issue sustained earlier in October, although the nasal injury is not currently expected to prevent him from featuring in upcoming fixtures.
Returns to bench against Nottingham Forest
Zubimendi (ankle) is available off the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest after recovering from an ankle injury.
Analysis: Zubimendi returns to Arsenal's matchday squad after suffering an ankle injury during training following the 2-1 victory over Leeds United, which forced him to miss Tuesday's Champions League win against Lille. The Spanish midfielder has made five Premier League appearances this season, all as a substitute, totaling 89 minutes without recording a goal or an assist. His inclusion on the bench provides manager Mikel Arteta with an additional midfield option, although his recent injury and limited playing time suggest he could continue to be used in a reserve role as he works toward full fitness.
Could return against Nottingham Forest
Zubimendi (ankle) is making encouraging progress in his recovery and could be available for Sunday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, according to coach Mikel Arteta, per Football London. "Zubi is doing much better, we have another session tomorrow, let's see how he evolves."
Analysis: Zubimendi is nearing a return after suffering an ankle injury during a training session following Arsenal's 2-1 win against Leeds United. The Spanish midfielder subsequently missed Tuesday's Champions League victory over Lille, although his condition has improved significantly over the past few days. Manager Arteta confirmed that Zubimendi is responding well to treatment and will be assessed following Saturday's training session, leaving the door open for his return against Nottingham Forest. The midfielder has played just 89 minutes across five Premier League appearances this season, all off the bench, recording no goals or assists. Given his limited involvement and recent injury, Zubimendi could initially be restricted to a substitute role if cleared to feature Sunday.
Making progress in ankle recovery
Zubimendi (ankle) is showing significant improvement but remains uncertain for Sunday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Zubi is much, much better. We have to see with Zubi how he deals with the pain on the pitch and the feelings he will face."
Analysis: Zubimendi missed Tuesday's Champions League win over Lille after suffering an ankle injury during a post-match training session. The midfielder is recovering well, although his availability will depend on how he responds to pain when returning to the pitch. He has played just 89 minutes across five Premier League appearances this season, all off the bench, recording no goals or assists. His limited role means a potential absence against Nottingham Forest would have little impact on Arsenal's starting midfield.
Sidelined with ankle injury
Zubimendi suffered an ankle injury Saturday during a post-match training session and will miss Tuesday's game against Lille, but he could return for Sunday's game against Nottingham Forest, John Cross of The Mirror reports.
Analysis: Zubimendi was one of two players injured in Saturday's post-match training session, but unlike Piero Hincapie (ankle), who's expected to miss around three weeks, Zubimendi could be back Sunday at Nottingham. He'll miss Tuesday's match against Lille, though. The Spanish midfielder lost his starting place, and since he's buried on the midfield depth chart, his absence shouldn't generate many fantasy decisions.
Misses out against Lille
Zubimendi (undisclosed) is unavailable for Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Lille after picking up a knock following Saturday's 2-1 win over Leeds United, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Well, we had a training session planned after the game for the players that didn't have enough minutes to get everybody the recovery day on Sunday, and to get everybody in the right rhythm, and in two very unfortunate actions, we lost two players, and yeah, not great. We need to assess them today. They have further scans to see where they are and they will have that time frame, how long they're going to be out for."
Analysis: Zubimendi sustained an unspecified injury during Saturday's post-match training session after remaining an unused substitute against Leeds. The midfielder had featured in all five of Arsenal's previous Premier League fixtures, making his absence a setback for the team's midfield rotation. Bruno Guimaraes remains among the options to cover his absence, while further scans are needed to determine the nature and severity of the injury and establish a potential return timeline.
Doubtful for Lille clash
Zubimendi (undisclosed) missed Arsenal's training session Monday after reportedly picking up a knock during the warm-down following Saturday's 2-1 victory over Leeds United, leaving him doubtful for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Lille, according to Alex Howell of BBC Sport.
Analysis: Zubimendi appears to have suffered a setback after Arsenal's weekend victory, although the nature and severity of the injury remain unclear. The midfielder was absent from Monday's training session, raising concerns about his availability for Tuesday's European matchup against the Dogues. Zubimendi has featured in all five of Arsenal's Premier League fixtures this season before remaining on the bench Saturday. His potential absence would further limit Arsenal's midfield rotation, with Bruno Guimaraes among the options available to manager Mikel Arteta.
Two shots off bench
Zubimendi registered two shots (zero on goal) in Saturday's 3-0 loss versus Brighton.
Analysis: Zubimendi came on for Bruno Guimaraes in the 60th minute and registered two shots without troubling Bart Verbruggen and one interception across 30 minutes as Arsenal pushed unsuccessfully for a foothold in the match. His introduction did not alter the dynamic of a contest Brighton had already won comfortably by the time he entered. Zubimendi has now featured in all five of Arsenal's Premier League fixtures this season from the bench.
Sees late minutes
Zubimendi recorded one tackle (one won) in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Sunderland.
Analysis: Zubimendi replaced Declan Rice in the 81st minute with Arsenal protecting a narrow advantage and won his only attempted tackle during the closing stages. His late introduction left little time to influence the match going forward before Arsenal added a second goal. Zubimendi continues to compete for minutes in a crowded midfield.
Records three interceptions
Zubimendi recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 2-1 win against Chelsea.
Analysis: Zubimendi came off the bench in the second half of Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea, registering one shot and three interceptions across his 23 minutes as Arsenal managed the closing stages of the match. The Spanish midfielder has now come off the bench in all three Premier League matches of the season, operating as a reliable defensive midfield option behind Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the squad hierarchy, and his three interceptions in 23 minutes on Sunday reflect the defensive intelligence and positional awareness that make him a high-quality depth option for manager Mikel Arteta.
Set for possible Shield return
Zubimendi is set for a possible return to action in Sunday's Community Shield, dependent on his response to training, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "They will be available; they trained with us today, they will train tomorrow, and if they are in the condition that we expect them to be, they will be involved"
Analysis: Zubimendi's potential involvement comes after he made 38 Premier League appearances last season, scoring five goals with an assist across 3,001 minutes, and won the World Cup with Spain, featuring 21 minutes in the final against Argentina. Zubimendi is expected to build up his workload ahead of the Community Shield.
Back in London
Zubimendi is back to prepare the new 2026/27 Premier League season with Arsenal, according to the club.
Analysis: Zubimendi made 38 Premier League appearances last season, scoring five goals with one assist across 3,001 minutes, and won the World Cup with Spain, featuring 21 minutes in one appearance in the final against Argentina. His return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he continues developing into one of Arsenal's most reliable midfield presences.
Keeps clean sheet Wednesday
Zubimendi had one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Wednesday's 0-0 draw against Sporting CP.
Analysis: Zubimendi kept a clean sheet Wednesday, his second across two legs versus Sporting. He made two clearances, intercepted one pass and won one tackle across his full 90 minutes of action. He was also effective on the attack as he put one shot on target -- Arsenal's only one in the second leg -- and created two chances in his full 90 minutes of action.
11 minutes from bench
Zubimendi appeared for 11 minutes off the bench in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Southampton.
Analysis: Zubimendi returned to play Saturday after he was forced to drop out of the Spanish national team due to injury, only appearing for 11 minutes off the bench in the loss. The good news is he is fit again as they head into UCL play against Sporting on Tuesday, likely to start alongside Declan Rice (undisclosed ) and Martin Odegaard in the midfield.
Bench option Saturday
Zubimendi (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton.
Analysis: Zubimendi is back in the squad for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton but starts on the bench after returning from international duty with knee discomfort. The midfielder could see limited minutes, with the staff likely to manage his workload cautiously given his importance in controlling possession and anchoring the midfield.
Suffering from knee discomfort
Zubimendi has withdrawn from Spain national team duty due to knee discomfort, according to the RFEF.
Analysis: Zubimendi is back in London with Arsenal after some knee discomfort arose after time in the Spain national team camp. Luckily for the midfielder, it appears that he is only not risking his health, likely to be fit again after a bit of time with his club. He has been an integral part of the midfield this year and is likely just preserving him as they push for league and UCL titles.
Steady presence in midfield
Zubimendi has started in six of Arsenal's seven matches across all competitions since the beginning of March.
Analysis: The Spain international has been a regular in midfield for the Gunners alongside Declan Rice, but his fantasy contributions have been scarce since he's yet to record a goal or an assist in that span. Since Zubimendi has a more defensive-minded role in midfield, he's not expected to carry a ton of fantasy upside even if he continues to be a starter in midfield until the end of the season.
Scores in back-to-back league games
Zubimendi scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Sunderland.
Analysis: Zubimendi broke the deadlock late in the first half with a long-range strike from just outside the box, scoring his sixth goal for the Gunners across all competitions. The midfielder continues to offer offensive solutions, opening the scoring in each of the last two league matches. Over his last three league appearances, he has taken six shots and contributed defensively with three tackles, five interceptions and five clearances.
Gets goal
Zubimendi scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 4-0 win over Leeds United.
Analysis: The midfielder got three shots up and was clinical, putting two on target and one in the back of the net. Zubimendi has carved out a nice role in this Arsenal side and he should be on the pitch in a decent capacity next week against a Sunderland team that is decent in defense. They have only conceded 26 times in 23 league games.
Scores in big win
Zubimendi scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Tuesday's 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
Analysis: The midfielder made his mark by doubling Arsenal's lead and continues to get minutes even with Martin Odegaard returning to the lineup. Zubimendi should be a factor against Bournemouth on Saturday and has a good chance to keep scoring, as the side has allowed 35 goals so far this season.
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