Slavia Prague manager shares why he’s relieved that Martin Zubimendi won’t be playing vs his team

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Jindrich Trpisovsky faced the media ahead of Slavia Prague’s Champions League meeting with Arsenal.

The two sides haven’t met since the 2020/21 Europa League quarter-final, a tie that Mikel Arteta’s Gunners won.

As the hosts on matchday four of the Champions League season, Slavia Prague will hope to end Arsenal’s incredible run of form, but their manager knows it won’t be easy.

Ahead of the game, Trpisovsky was very complimentary of Declan Rice and Arsenal in general, though the Slavia manager did see one positive for his side ahead of the fixture.

• READ MORE: Predicted Arsenal lineup and XI vs Slavia Prague as Mikel Arteta finds Viktor Gyokeres replacement

Slavia Prague manager Jindrich Trpisovsky speaks about Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal are the team to beat in Europe right now, having not lost or even conceded a goal in their previous seven games in all competitions.

There is one let off for Slavia, and that is the exclusion of Martin Zubimendi, who will not feature due to suspension after collecting his third yellow card of the league phase.

In his pre-match press conference, Slavia boss Trpisovsky was asked whether the Spaniard’s suspension was a relief for his team.

“From one perspective, yes,” Trpisovsky admitted, going on to list the reasons why he feels that way.

“He’s great at building the game, technically incredible, a distributor of key passes.”

Martin Keown thinks Zubimendi is the best player in Europe right now, so it’s unsurprising that Trpisovsky is feeling some relief; however, he’s not entirely content with the situation.

The Slavia manager elaborated, painting a picture of how good Arsenal’s squad depth is right now by referencing a game of FIFA.

“They have a wide squad, just look at their roster. I haven’t played FIFA for about fifteen years, but absolutely everyone there would have a high-class level.”

Trpisovsky made his admiration for Tuesday night’s opposition known, with or without Zubimendi’s involvement.

Positive Zubimendi update despite Champions League suspension

Though the Spaniard won’t be in action, which will be a considerable loss for Arsenal, it’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to the midfielder.

There was some additional worry after Arsenal’s clash with Burnley, as Arteta confirmed post-match that Zubimendi had ‘asked to be subbed’ due to injury.

Though Arsenal are suffering an injury crisis, Zubimendi is not part of the sidelined group, as the 26-year-old has been spotted in training since.

With Sunderland away at the weekend, Zubimendi’s omission against Slavia might be a blessing in disguise, as the summer arrival can get some well-earned rest.