Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has explained why midfielder Martin Zubimendi was absent in Friday’s training ahead of the London derby against Fulham on Saturday, Softfootball reports.
Zubimendi was involved fully during the international break and played a key role as Spain beat Bulgaria 4-0 with his club teammate Mikel Merino scoring twice in that game as La Roja move closer to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
The aspect of Arteta’s pre-match interview talking about the absence of Zubimendi from training was shared on Fabrizio Romano’s official X handle. He wrote:
Martin Zubimendi will be available this weekend, confirms Mikel Arteta.
He was absent today because he played two games again, his load has been really high recently and he needed an extra day… but he’s available.
Meanwhile, the Gunners will face Fulham on Saturday where former player Alex Iwobi plays. The Nigerian is set for his 300th appearance in the premier league which will make him the Super Eagles player with the most matches in the competition.
It will be a huge achievement for Iwobi considering that Nigeria have legendary players like his uncle Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Joseph Yobo, Obafemi Martin, Osaze Odemwengie and others grace the competition rated as the best in the world.
Arsenal are currently top of the premier league table with 16 points after seven matches while Fulham sits in 14th with eighth points from the same number of matches so far this season.
