Arsenal are facing a growing injury headache ahead of the resumption of the Premier League, with Martín Zubimendi the latest player to withdraw from international duty.
The Spanish midfielder has pulled out of the Spain national team squad, joining a swelling list of Arsenal players who will return to London early for medical assessment.
His withdrawal means the North London side now has at least eight players sidelined during the international break.
Among those affected are key figures such as William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães in defence, while midfield anchor Declan Rice and winger Bukayo Saka are also undergoing checks.
Defensive option Jurriën Timber, attacker Leandro Trossard, and South American defender Piero Hincapié are part of the group managing fitness concerns.
The withdrawals come during the final international window before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a period marked by heavy workloads and tight scheduling.
National teams have increasingly opted to release players early to avoid aggravating injuries and to manage fatigue ahead of crucial domestic and continental fixtures.
While rival fans have been quick to mock Arsenal’s situation, there could be a silver lining for manager Mikel Arteta. The early returns may allow several first-team players additional recovery time, potentially leaving them fresher for the decisive stretch of the season.
Arsenal remain firmly in contention across multiple fronts, including the Premier League title race, European competition, and domestic cup campaigns. With a demanding schedule ahead, careful squad management could prove decisive in determining whether Arteta’s side can convert promise into silverware.
Club medical staff are expected to assess the full extent of each player’s condition in the coming days, with fans anxiously awaiting updates ahead of their next league fixture.
