Mikel Arteta gives Martin Zubimendi update after Arsenal star misses training | Football

Zubimendi sat out of coaching on Thursday (Picture: Getty Images)

Martin Zubimendi shall be available for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Fulham after missing training on Thursday.

The Gunners make the short trip across the capital to tackle the Cottagers in Saturday’s evening kick-off of their first game back after the October international break.

Zubimendi featured in each Spain’s World Cup qualifying games against Georgia and Bulgaria, playing the total 90 against the latter on Tuesday night along with his club teammate Mikel Merino bagging a brace for La Roja.

The summer signing has immediately taken to life in north London and has been near ever-present in Mikel Arteta’s  starting XI.

The 26-year-old has played the total 90 minutes in all but one in every of Arsenal’s nine games across the Premier League and Champions League.

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There was concern when the midfielder was not present in an open training session on Thursday, just two days before the Fulham game.

But speaking at a press conference on Friday, Arteta eased any concerns over his availability.

Spain v Bulgaria - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Zubimendi played the total 90 for Spain on Tuesday night (Picture: Getty Images)

All of the players come from different countries, different amount of games and minutes played,’ Arteta said.

‘We consider it was the best thing to do. His load has been really high, but he shall be available.’

Arsenal shall be without Martin Odegaard for the approaching run of games with the captain sidelined with a knee problem.

Odegaard was forced off against West Ham United, the third time he has come up before half-time this season.

Arsenal v West Ham United - Premier League
Odegaard is facing one other spell on the sidelines (Picture: Getty)

While he didn’t provide an actual timescale, Arteta said on Friday it can be ‘a couple of weeks’ before he is accessible for selection again, possibly not until after the November international break.

‘He shall be weeks, no definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well. It’s very unlucky what’s happening with him and his injuries this season, but I feel he shall be back in a couple of weeks, Arteta said.

‘It might be [an absence until after the international break] but we can have to see how he’s progressing, how his knee is feeling, how he manages the subsequent steps in his rehab.

‘It’s too early to get a solution.’

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