Arsenal huddle
Arsenal huddle
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Players who come off the bench during a home win can still pick up knocks that affect their availability for the next fixture. Facial injuries in particular often require extra protection if a player wants to feature again within a few days. Those situations become more noticeable when the individual has already been limited to short appearances this season and is looking for minutes.
The midfielder in question entered the match in the second half and was involved in a challenge that left him needing treatment. He was able to see out the game, yet the nature of the injury means he will need additional gear if he is selected for the midweek cup tie. The fixture against lower-league opposition provides a logical opportunity for him to feature despite the issue.
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi faces having to wear a protective mask at Fleetwood Town after breaking his nose, according to The Sun. The midfielder suffered the injury on Saturday after coming on as a second-half substitute in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Everton. Zubimendi, 27, appeared to be caught in the face by Toffees striker Thierno Barry when challenging for the ball.
The Spaniard was forced to come off for treatment as blood was pouring from his nose. He was able to finish the game but only by having tissue shoved up his right nostril. Zubimendi’s nose is understood to be broken and it means he will require a protective mask to play. The Gunners are in action at Fleetwood Town in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The World Cup winner had been expected to start the game as he has struggled for minutes this season. Zubimendi has made only one start during the current campaign and that was at Ipswich in the last round. The midfielder was a regular for Arsenal last season, but has been knocked down the pecking order by summer signing Bruno Guimaraes. The form of Myles Lewis-Skelly has also limited his minutes and he will be eager to play tonight.
Zubimendi has had rotten luck with injuries this term and earlier this month picked up an ankle knock during the warm-down after a 2-1 win over Leeds. The combination of that earlier issue and the broken nose has restricted his opportunities further. A protective mask would allow him to take part in the cup tie without risking further damage to the injury.
Fleetwood Town host the fourth-round match at their Highbury Stadium. Arsenal are expected to rotate the side for the fixture, and Zubimendi’s inclusion would give him valuable minutes against senior opposition. The mask is a common solution for players returning quickly from nasal injuries, and it has been used by several professionals in recent seasons without major issues.
The Spaniard’s desire for more regular football has been clear this season as competition for midfield places has intensified. Starting or featuring prominently against Fleetwood would represent another chance for him to impress and push for involvement in bigger games. Arsenal will assess his comfort levels with the protective equipment before finalising the team for Tuesday night.
Any appearance in the mask would mark a determined return after the setback against Everton. The cup tie remains an important opportunity for the club to progress, and Zubimendi will hope the protective gear does not hinder his performance if he is selected. Further updates on his availability are expected once the medical staff have completed their final checks.