Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that midfielder Martin Zubimendi is available for selection against Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Spain international has been a revelation since his £60 million move from Real Sociedad last summer, and he has already made 21 appearances in all competitions.
Zubimendi has started every game but one in the league and Arteta clarified that the midfielder’s absence from this week’s open training session was due to training load management.
When asked about the 26-year-old, Arteta said: “There was a lot of management for a few players who played a lot of minutes lately, so that’s probably the reason why.
“In the small windows that we have, we make sure that we look after him and he understands that every possibility and every chance you have to look after yourself, you have to take it in this league.
“The demands are going to be really, really high, but I think he’s coping really, really well with the league, with all the challenges that the league brings. It’s a new club, a new country and I think he’s been exceptional.”
Zubimendi has been a key player in the number six role for the Gunners. He has completed 89 percent of his passes, while winning an impressive 70 percent of his aerial duels.
He has made three recoveries and almost two tackles and two clearances per outing. The Spaniard has also chipped in with five goal contributions across all competitions.
Zubimendi has also brought the best out of Declan Rice, who has had the freedom to press forward from central midfield due to the Spaniard’s defensive assurance behind him.
Arsenal face Everton on the road in Saturday’s late kick-off in the league. It is a must-win game for the Gunners to preserve their two-point advantage at the top of the table.
Manchester City entertain West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium earlier tomorrow, and they are widely expected to temporarily move to the first spot with a convincing win.
The onus is on the Gunners to turn up at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and secure a victory. The club are winless in the last three away league games and must put an end to that streak.
Arsenal will be eyeing their first win over the Toffees in three matches. Both games last season ended up in draws including a 1-1 scoreline at Goodison Park in early April.
Stats from Sofascore.com