Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi is set to be one of several absences impacting the Gunners for their Champions League clash with Slavia Prague.
Mikel Arteta is currently enjoying a nine-match winning run across all competitions, with the North London side looking compact in defence and doing just enough in attack.
Knitting it all together is a midfield that features Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, who have been at the heart of everything.
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While Rice got plaudits for his performance against Burnley at the weekend, a muscular injury concern for Zubimendi has left some doubt surrounding his availability.
The midfielder definitely won’t be available for Arsenal in the Champions League, though, regardless of his fitness condition.
Martin Zubimendi in the Emirates Stadium tunnel before Arsenal vs Brighton
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Martin Zubimendi banned for Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Slavia Prague
Arsenal’s injury concerns leave Mikel Arteta with some big decisions to make over the rotation of his team in midweek.
Then there’s a decision to be made on who will replace Martin Zubimendi, as the Spaniard is banned from the clash with Slavia Prague.
That is because he picked up three yellow cards in as many games in the Champions League group phase.
With a one-match ban now in effect, other options will need to be available for Arsenal in the midweek clash.
Mikel Merino could come in, though Viktor Gyokeres’ injury worries could see him shifted up front, instead of in midfield.
After him, Christian Norgaard seems to be the obvious choice to come in, offering plenty of experience in the competition.
With some important games coming up in the Champions League, it’s key that the Gunners pick up a result and ensure that their best players are free of suspension.
Martin Zubimendi in action for Arsenal against Burnley
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Which Arsenal players are close to Champions League yellow card bans
At this stage of the Champions League, it only takes three yellow cards for a player to be banned for one match.
Zubimendi has quickly hit that threshold, but there are a few other stars right behind him in the disciplinary category.
Players Yellow cards
Martin Zubimendi 3
Declan Rice 2
Gabriel Magalhaes 1
Noni Madueke 1
Arsenal yellow card statistics in the Champions League.
Declan Rice is the player closest to a ban, while Gabriel Magalhaes and Noni Madueke are the only other stars to pick up bookings for Arsenal in the competition this season.
The Gunners will be keen to navigate through their clash with Slavia Prague with a win and no more discipline concerns.