Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is wearing a protective mask during his side’s Carabao Cup match at Fleetwood Town tonight.
The Spain international suffered a suspected broken nose during the closing stages of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.
Having come on as an 80th minute substitute, Zubimendi took a blow to the face and required treatment – but he has been passed fit to start for Arsenal in the cup.
Zubimendi has endured a frustrating start to the season. Having been part of the Spain squad that won the World Cup this summer, the 27-year-old’s only start before tonight was Arsenal’s win at Ipswich Town in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.
He has lost his place to summer signing Bruno Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the competition to start alongside Declan Rice in Arsenal’s midfield, but has been prepared to play through discomfort to appear for Arsenal against League Town side Fleetwood at Highbury.
Arteta has name a strong team to face Fleetwood – with a trip to Liverpool to come on Sunday – but the manager has still named three teenagers in his side: Max Dowman, Marli Salmon and Ceadach O’Neill, with the 18-year-old Northern Ireland international making his first-team debut.
“We take the game very seriously,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “It’s great to have them with us, Marli, Ceadach, Max, Illan as well. We always said everyone is going to be important and has to be ready. The only way is if they play minutes.
“The best way to express yourself is when you have the chance and you have to play. Give me a reason, give my a headache, give my a problem and show me you have to play more. That’s what they’ve been doing so far.
“These competitions you’re in or you’re out. We need the same commitment to be better than your opponent.”
Arsenal team to place Fleetwood Town: Meslier, Timber, Salmon, Mosquera, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, O’Neill, Havertz, Gyokeres
Subs: Arrizabalaga, White, Odegaard, Eze, Konsa, Guimaraes, Harriman-Annous, Washington, Hashi
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