Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has withdrawn from the Spain squad because of a knee issue.
Zubimendi made a cameo appearance in Spain’s 3-0 win over Serbia on Friday, appearing as a 77th-minute substitute for Manchester City star Rodri.
But, rather than participating in Tuesday’s game with Egypt, Zubimendi will head back to North London early.
A statement from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said Zubimendi was suffering from “discomfort in his right knee” and has withdrawn from the squad “in order not to take any risk and preserve the player’s health”.
Zubimendi has played in all 31 Premier League games for Arsenal, starting 30. He has scored five goals and provided one assist.
His withdrawal follows that of Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie following La Tri’s 1-1 draw with Morocco in which he played 72 minutes.
“The Ecuadorian Football Federation reports that players Piero Hincapie and Denil Castillo underwent medical and imaging tests and, based on the evaluation, both have been withdrawn from the national team roster,” a statement on Hincapie’s withdrawal read.
“The results were immediately sent to their clubs, where they will begin their respective recovery processes. The national team’s medical staff will monitor their progress.”
Arsenal international exodus grows to 10 players
At this point in the season and with Arsenal competing for three trophies, the caution their players are showing is understandable. Still, 10 is an eye-catching number of withdrawals.
England duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were due to link up with the Three Lions ahead of their game with Japan, having been rested by Thomas Tuchel for Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay. They instead each pulled out, while team-mate Noni Madueke suffered a knee injury in that game.
“I’m very sad and upset and hopefully it’s not a big injury,” said Tuchel of Madueke, who was replaced by Jarrod Bowen in the 38th minute against Uruguay after colliding with Rodrigo Aguirre.
Eberechi Eze withdrew from the England squad with a calf issue and is reportedly expected to be out for a month.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s Leandro Trossard, Brazil defender Gabriel Magalhaes, France’s William Saliba and Netherlands full-back Jurrien Timber all pulled out of international duty for fitness reasons.
Of the 10 players to withdraw, seven of them started last week’s EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester City and did not appear to suffer an injury in the 2-0 loss at Wembley.
Arsenal return to action next weekend as they visit Championship side Southampton in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
That fixture at St Mary’s marks the start of a busy run-in for Mikel Arteta’s men, who lead City by nine points in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal remaining fixtures
- Southampton (A, FA Cup) – April 4
- Sporting CP (A, Champions League) – April 7
- Bournemouth (H) – April 11
- Sporting CP (H) – April 15
- Manchester City (A) – April 19
- Newcastle United (H) – April 25
- Fulham (H) – May 2
- West Ham (A) – May 9
- Burnley (H) – May 17
- Crystal Palace (A) – May 24
The FA Cup semi-finals are scheduled to take place on April 25/26, with the final to be held on May 16. If Arsenal were to progress to the final, it would mean their game with Newcastle and their home finale against Burnley would need to be moved, with the potential for fixture congestion increasing the need for the Gunners to avoid serious injuries.
The Champions League semi-final first legs are scheduled for April 28/29, with the return legs on May 5/6. The final will be held in Budapest on May 30.
Arsenal will face either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League if they come through their quarter-final tie with Sporting.
