Arsenal boss Arteta delivers encouraging Zubimendi injury update

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains confident that Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi will return swiftly following an unexpected collision with team-mate Mikel Merino in a post-match training session.

The central midfielder missed Tuesday evening’s 3-0 victory over Lille in the Champions League after taking a blow to his ankle, an incident that occurred during cool-down drills following the victory against Leeds United.

A freak collision at the Emirates

Spanish radio station Cadena SER first revealed the details of the incident, with Merino explaining how his fellow countryman picked up the issue during physical work after the Leeds fixture.

Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Merino gave an explanation of the accidental clash on the pitch:

“He [Zubimendi] is fine, he had his ankle a little bit hurt due to an action with me and if there is anyone that doesn’t want to hurt him, it’s me but it was a freak accident in training but he’s fine, he is a bull and recovers quickly.”

The 27-year-old midfielder has emerged as an integral member of the Arsenal midfield setup, making his speedy recovery a major priority for the coaching staff ahead of Sunday’s league trip to Nottingham Forest.

Arteta remains positive over recovery

Arteta provided further clarity on Zubimendi’s condition after watching his side record their 14th successive Champions League league phase win, as reported by the Evening Standard and football.london.

Addressing reporters after the European victory, Arteta said:

“Zubi, I expect, yeah [only days]. We have to see the moment he goes on that pitch, how he deals with the pain and some small feelings that he will have.”

The Gunners chief confirmed that while Zubimendi is making strong progress, his involvement at the City Ground hinges on how well his body reacts to initial training sessions on the grass.

Speaking further on the midfielder’s status, Arteta said:

“Zubi is much, much better. Piero is improving, but as I said, he looks more significant. I think it will be a matter of weeks, I think.”

Squad updates ahead of Forest trip

Left-back Piero Hincapie also picked up an ankle injury during the post-match sessions after the Leeds match, with the defender eventually carried off the pitch by goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Hincapie was able to stand for Arsenal’s official squad photo at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, though Arteta anticipates the defender will miss a few weeks of action.

Meanwhile, defender William Saliba was absent from the squad photo due to a medical appointment as he works back from a back issue, while winger Christos Tzolis continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring problem sustained on international duty with Greece.

Arteta is set to deliver his full pre-match media conference on Friday to confirm whether Zubimendi will feature against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.