Arsenal’s festive preparations hit a snag as Martin Zubimendi and five key squad members skipped Tuesday’s training session. This happened with a mounting injury toll after Arsenal vs Wolves that’s testing Mikel Arteta‘s squad depth. The £51m summer signing from Real Sociedad has anchored midfield since his July arrival. However, he was absent as part of load management, but fresh concerns spin around Ben White’s hamstring tweak against Wolves. With Everton looming on December 20, Arteta faces a selection headache in the title race.
Load Management or Hidden Worry?
The cut of Martin Zubimendi isn’t injury-related—it’s precautionary. The 26-year-old Spaniard has started 15 of 16 Premier League games. His tireless engine is vital in Arsenal’s high press. Yet, after a tiring schedule, including Champions League games, Arteta’s rotating to prevent stress. “We’re managing his workload carefully,” insiders confirm, echoing White’s recent four-games-in-10-days strain. Still, fans worry over the former Sociedad star’s involvement.
🚨 Martin Zubimendi was absent from today's open session at Sobha Realty Training Centre, but reports confirm he was working separately as part of ongoing load management—no injury concerns.
This isn't the first time this season; the Spaniard has played heavy minutes in PL &… pic.twitter.com/WEwBbDiWoS
— Arsenal Team (@_ArsenalTeam) December 16, 2025
The Long-Term Absentees Pile Up
Alongside Zubimendi are Kai Havertz who is now grass-based. But not in full sessions since he was hit on the knee. Gabriel Magalhaes (adductor); Ben White (hamstring); Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman (ankles). White leaving in Arsenal vs Wolves revealed weak areas in defence. Moreover, the high-quality defender not expected to return in the near future. Gabriel, who went out on Brazil duty, has a post-Christmas coming back in mind. While Havertz has a target to Everton though time is unclear. Youth prospects Mosquera and Dowman will not appear till 2026.
🇪🇸🪄 Martin Zubimendi (26) vs Club Brugge…
• 6 defensive contributions
• 6 chances created
• 3 big chances created
• 2 assists pic.twitter.com/IoJus7P3wJ
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 10, 2025
Arteta’s Festive Fire-Fight
This gathering of absences. It marks Arsenal’s 100th injury minute this season. Riccardo Calafiori back post-suspension and tests backups like Jakub Kiwior. Arteta, post-Wolves, urged strength: “We adapt or perish”. With Liverpool and City lurking, this gap could shake title dreams—or shape unbreakable resolve. Gooners, brace: the road to silverware grows nail biting in nature.
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