Arsenal should have an almost entirely fit squad to select from when they take on Manchester United on Sunday.
The Gunners travel to the north-west for their first game of the 2025/26 season against Ruben Amorim’s side at Old Trafford.
The pressure is on Mikel Arteta to deliver silverware this season, and thus it’s imperative that the Spaniard secures all three points against the Red Devils.
Arsenal beat Athletic Club 3-0 in the final pre-season match, ending their preparations for the new campaign in a positive manner, after having suffered disappointing defeats to Tottenham and Villarreal.
Mikel Arteta confirms Martin Zubimendi will be fit to face Manchester United
Martin Zubimendi signed for Arsenal from Real Sociedad for £55 million this summer.
The Spaniard is expected to be the Gunners’ midfield linchpin, replacing Thomas Partey at the base of their midfield.
Zubimendi impressed during pre-season, producing eye-catching displays against Tottenham and Athletic Club.
These performances have prompted excitement from the Arsenal supporters about what the player could bring to Arteta’s team next season, and thus, fear spread online this week after the 26-year-old was nowhere to be seen in any of the North London club’s media.
This absence from pictures and videos released by Arsenal sparked concern that Zubimendi may be suffering from an injury and could be unavailable to feature against Manchester United.
However, Arteta put an end to these worries by confirming in his press conference on Friday that the deep-lying midfielder is fit to play at the Theatre of Dreams.
“Yes, he had a great integration, a very big impact and he will be fit,” Arteta said.
Leandro Trossard will also be fit to play Manchester United
Aside from Zubimendi, the only other injury concern for Arsenal heading to Manchester is Leandro Trossard.
Trossard suffered a fitness setback against Tottenham in Hong Kong, and subsequently didn’t feature against either Villarreal or Athletic Club at the Emirates last week.
However, Arteta has now confirmed that the Belgian will likely be fit to face United.
“Yeah I think he’s much better, I think he will be able to train again tomorrow, and if that’s the case, he will be fit,” he said.
Given he hasn’t played for over two weeks, Trossard is unlikely to start on Sunday, with either Gabriel Martinelli or Noni Madueke likely to get the nod over him on the left.
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