Arsenal take on Wolves in the Premier League next, and Mikel Arteta has a few selection dilemmas.
The Gunners have had a very difficult few weeks. They are about to play their seventh game in 21 days since the last international break, and that has been exhausting for many players.
Some of them, like William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Leandro Trossard, have picked up injuries along the way, and it’s unclear if any of them will be available for the clash against Wolves on Saturday.
Irrespective of who is fit to play, one player should not get any game time – Martin Zubimendi.
Was Martin Zubimendi the best signing of Arsenal’s summer? If not, who was?
Mikel Arteta should rest Martin Zubimendi for Arsenal vs Wolves
Zubimendi has been a revelation for Arsenal this season.
The Spaniard joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad in the summer, and he has taken no time to adapt. He has been brilliant in almost every game and has been key to the way Mikel Arteta’s men have played.
Zubimendi is one of the first names on the team sheet at Arsenal, but when Wolves come to the Emirates on Saturday, he should be given a day off.
The midfielder has only missed one game in the Premier League and the Champions League this season – that came against Slavia Prague because he was suspended.
In Arsenal’s last three fixtures, which took place in the space of seven days, Zubimendi played the full 90 minutes on each occasion, and it’s about time he got a break.
Wolves have been the worst team in the Premier League this season. They haven’t won a single game yet, so Arsenal should be able to beat them without Zubimendi.
We think the Arsenal number 36 should be left out of the side so he can recharge and be ready for the more difficult fixtures coming up.
If you were Mikel Arteta, would you make any changes to this Arsenal XI vs Wolves?
Tell us your Arsenal starting XI vs Wolves!
Martin Zubimendi is on track to break his personal record
Zubimendi has surprised many people at Arsenal.
Everyone knew that he was a top-class player, but the way he has settled into life in the Premier League has been fantastic. Mikel Arteta even branded Zubimendi’s adaptation as ‘exceptional’.
What has been even more surprising is the defensive midfielder’s contribution in the final third.
Zubimendi has provided three assists already this season. The most he has managed in a single campaign is four. That came in 2022/23.
We are convinced that the Spain international will finish this term with five assists or more, which would make it his personal best tally in a single season.
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