Martin Zubimendi has withdrawn from the Spain squad ahead of the friendly against Egypt after suffering discomfort in his right knee, with the Spanish federation saying Arsenal’s medical staff have been informed.
Martin Zubimendi has withdrawn from the Spain squad ahead of their friendly against Egypt, handing Arsenal another international-break fitness concern before domestic football resumes. Spain confirmed today that the midfielder had left camp because of discomfort in his right knee and would play no further part in the current window. The Spanish federation also said Arsenal’s medical staff had been kept informed throughout the process.
The official RFEF statement was brief but clear. In English, it read: “Martin Zubimendi has withdrawn from the Spain squad due to discomfort in his right knee.” It added: “In order to avoid any risk and preserve the player’s health, he has been withdrawn from the squad. Arsenal FC’s medical staff have been informed throughout the process.”
For Arsenal, the timing is awkward. Zubimendi had been part of Luis de la Fuente’s squad for the March friendlies, and any issue involving a knee at this stage of the season will naturally be watched closely. Spain’s wording, however, points more towards precaution than certainty over a serious problem, with the federation making clear the decision was taken to avoid taking any unnecessary risk.
The reference to Arsenal’s medical staff is also significant. Spain did not simply announce the withdrawal. It explicitly noted that communication with the club had been ongoing, which suggests Arsenal already have a clear picture of the issue as they prepare to assess the midfielder on his return.
Zubimendi’s withdrawal also comes as Arsenal manage a wider run of international-break concerns. England confirmed before their friendly against Japan that Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke had all left camp, with Rice and Saka returning to Arsenal for medical assessment and Madueke withdrawing after picking up a knock against Uruguay. England’s update left Thomas Tuchel with a 27-man group for the second fixture, but from Arsenal’s perspective the more important point was that three senior players had already headed back early.
Against that backdrop, Zubimendi’s exit from the Spain squad adds to the number of situations Arsenal are now monitoring before club football resumes. The key facts are straightforward: he has left camp, the issue is discomfort in his right knee, and Arsenal have been kept informed. Until there is a fuller update from Spain or the club, the case remains one to monitor closely rather than one to define too strongly.