Arsenal injury scare as Martin Zubimendi becomes ELEVENTH star to pull out of international duty

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Mikel Arteta has been hit by an international curse with ELEVEN players now on the injury list. Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi are the latest to return to Arsenal after withdrawing from their camps with Ecuador and Spain respectively.

That follows Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka leaving the England camp on Saturday while Noni Madueke suffered a knee injury during Friday’s friendly with Uruguay.

It will be a massive worry for Gunners boss Arteta who faces huge games ahead with Arsenal’s next fixture in the FA Cup with Southampton on Saturday, April 4.

They then travel to Sporting Lisbon, face Bournemouth in the Premier League , have got the return leg of the Champions League quarter final at the Emirates and then go to Manchester City on April 19 for a potential title showdown.

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Arteta will be praying that the injury list clears up ahead of the daunting schedule as Arsenal have been desperate not to take any risks.

Gabriel pulled out of the Brazil squad, William Saliba did not go with France because of an ankle issue, Leandro Trossard missed Belgium’s camp because of a niggle while Jurrien Timber also missed Holland’s fixtures.

Eberechi Eze suffered a calf injury which ruled him out of England duty and he could be out for around a month but there are hopes he could be back in time for City.

Rice and Saka are both believed to be precautionary rather than major injuries but have clearly played a lot of games and have been carrying niggles.

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Martin Odegaard was not available for Norway duty but hopes to be back after the international break after missing games with a knee issue.

Madueke is a major concern with his left knee with England boss Thomas Tuchel admitting he was “worried” but was also hoping it was not too serious after the winger left Wembley on Friday in a brace. Hincapie went down injured after 70 minutes of Ecuador’s 1-1 draw with Morocco and has return to Arsenal and is a concern.

The Ecuador FA said: “The results were immediately sent to their clubs, where they will begin their respective recovery processes. The national team’s medical staff will monitor their progress.”

Zubimendi is probably more of a precaution and the Spanish FA said: “Martin Zubimendi has withdrawn from the Spanish national team camp due to discomfort in his right knee.

"To avoid any risk and to protect the player's health, he has been removed from the squad. Arsenal FC's medical staff have been informed of the situation.”