Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi the subject of ‘bombshell’ in Spain’s draw against Turkey

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Spain qualified for the 2026 World Cup, ending their qualifying campaign with a 2-2 draw against Turkey.

Arsenal’s three Spanish representatives have booked their tickets to North America for next summer’s tournament.

David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are valued members of Luis de la Fuente’s side, but one figure stands out above the rest.

Though Spain have been pleasantly surprised by Merino’s scoring form, it’s Zubimendi who is one of the most important names on the teamsheet, as was made clear after La Roja drew against Turkey.

• READ MORE: Martin Zubimendi has been surprised by Mikel Merino for one clear reason

Martin Zubimendi’s role in Spain’s draw against Turkey was a shock

Given that Arsenal’s injury list has grown over the international break, Mikel Arteta will be delighted with what he saw in Spain’s 2-2 draw.

The Arsenal manager won’t only be overjoyed that his country qualified for the World Cup, but also that Zubimendi was not involved against Turkey.

After Zubimendi impressed against Georgia, playing 90 minutes and scoring, the midfielder did not come off the bench against Turkey, which really shocked the media in Spain.

AS communicated just how shocked they were to see the Arsenal star left out of the starting XI, going as far as to call the decision a ‘bombshell’. 

“Aleix Garcia’s inclusion was the big bombshell of the starting eleven, the chosen one to take over from Zubimendi, who in turn has admirably covered the absence of Rodri.”

It’s not the first time that Zubimendi’s ability to cover for Rodri has been applauded, and it certainly won’t be the last.

The midfielder has been getting rave reviews for club and country, but the only thing on Arteta’s mind will be that he was rested against Turkey, ready to return to Arsenal fully charged for the North London Derby.

Mikel Merino’s statistics against Turkey

Though Arteta might be frustrated with Carlo Ancelotti because of Gabriel’s injury, the boss will have an opposing view of De La Fuente.

As well as resting Zubimendi, the Spain manager hauled Merino off at half-time against Turkey, sending the 29-year-old back to N5 fully fit. 

Merino had a relatively uneventful evening against Turkey, recording only 34 touches on the ball and only firing one shot on goal.

It was a rare international break without scoring for Merino, who will be eager to get himself back on the scoresheet when Tottenham visit the Emirates on Sunday.