Mikel Merino Takes Zubimendi Injury Blame and Reveals Details

Mikel Merino has admitted that he was responsible for the ankle injury that forced Martin Zubimendi to miss Arsenal’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Lille, speaking to Cadena SER.

Zubimendi picked up the knock during a post-match warm-down following Saturday’s 2-1 win over Leeds United at the Emirates. Piero Hincapié was also injured in the same session, though his injury is demed more serious and will see him sidelined for 'weeks'.

Asked about Zubimendi’s condition, Merino revealed that the problem was caused by a challenge between the two midfielders, but was quick to play down any concerns.

He said, ‘He slightly sprained his ankle in a challenge with me, and if there’s anyone who doesn’t want to hurt Zubi, it’s me. But he’s fine, he’s a bull and he’ll be back in no time.’

The pair share a close bond. Merino and Zubimendi played together at Real Sociedad, where they won the Copa del Rey, and have since been teammates for both Spain and Arsenal after Zubimendi followed his compatriot to north London in July 2025.

Their comments come after Mikel Arteta defended the club’s decision to hold the session on the pitch. The Arsenal boss explained that the players were taking part in small-sided games designed to give those who had not played enough minutes the required training load.

Arteta insists the incident was simply bad luck, pointing out that the same drill had been used 37 times last season without anyone getting injured. However, he admitted he may ask his players to take a little more care in future, given how competitive they are.

Zubimendi’s absence did not prove costly against Lille. Merino started in midfield but endured a frustrating evening, heading a gilt-edged first-half chance straight at goalkeeper Berke Özer and picking up a booking before being replaced shortly after the hour. Arsenal pulled clear after the break through Jurriën Timber, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka.

Mikel Arteta has revealed he will be sidelined for just 'days', and his injury is not deemed to be serious. He has started just one game this season, the Carabao Cup third-round win at Ipswich Town, where he recorded an assist, with Myles Lewis-Skelly preferred alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.

The Gunners travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, before facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League next Wednesday, and it is expected that Zubimendi could be available for both trips.