Martin Keown’s worst fear has just come true even though Arsenal beat Burnley

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Arsenal beat Burnley to extend their gap at the top of the Premier League table, but it’s not all good news.

The Gunners were by far the better side at Turf Moor. They dominated the clash, especially in the first half, with Viktor Gyokeres having his best game at the club.

Declan Rice was also unbelievable against Burnley and deservedly won the Player of the Match award for his goal and all-round performance.

Mikel Arteta was delighted for the above reasons, but potential injuries to two key players – Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi – have become a major concern.

Martin Keown’s fear about Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has come true

Arsenal signed Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer, and he has been one of their best players this season.

The Spaniard has taken no time to adapt to the Premier League. He has looked incredible and is among the first names on the team sheet every week.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown hailed Zubimendi as the ‘best player in Europe’ among midfielders recently. He also named the 26-year-old as the one player he did not want to see get injured.

“The one player who I think is maybe the best player in Europe right now in terms of midfield is Zubimendi. The way that he is playing, I wouldn’t want him to get injured,” Keown said.

Sadly, Zubimendi had to come off in the second half of the game against Burnley due to a muscular issue.

Arteta revealed after the win that the midfielder ‘asked’ to be substituted, which is never a good sign. But we hope it’s nothing serious.

Martin Zubimendi will get a break at Arsenal because of his suspension

Arsenal’s next fixture is in the Champions League against Slavia Prague.

The Gunners have been flawless in Europe so far, winning all three games without conceding a single goal. That is why Opta have named Arteta’s men as the favourites to win the competition.

Arsenal should rotate their squad for that game in Prague. We think Rice should be left at home because he is one yellow card away from a suspension.

One player who is already suspended for the game against Slavia is Zubimendi because of the two bookings he picked up in the first three games.

That may prove to be a blessing in disguise as the Spain international will now get a full week’s break. Hopefully, that is enough for him to recover and be available for Arsenal’s clash against Sunderland on Saturday.