Zubimendi quits Spain training camp
The Arsenal midfielder returns to London due to a knee injury. Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Hincapié also return with various fitness issues.
Martín Zubimendi has officially been ruled out of Spain’s friendly against Egypt on Tuesday at RCDE Stadium. The Spanish federation announced that the midfielder is dealing with discomfort in his right knee and will leave the national team camp immediately.
According to the RFEF, the decision was made “to avoid any risk and protect the player’s health,” with Arsenal’s medical staff kept fully informed throughout the process.
Sources told AS that Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is considering calling up a replacement to cover the Arsenal midfielder’s absence. Zubimendi won’t return to the national team setup until the warm‑up matches ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Only 13 minutes against Serbia
The Basque midfielder exits camp after a brief appearance in Spain’s final tune‑ups before the World Cup, which will be held this summer across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Zubimendi played just 13 minutes in the 3–0 win over Serbia at La Cerámica, coming on late to replace Rodri. His limited minutes won’t hurt his chances of making the final World Cup roster — he remains one of De la Fuente’s trusted midfielders.
That trust has been clear in Spain’s biggest recent matches. With Rodri sidelined for an extended stretch, Zubimendi became the near‑permanent starter at defensive midfield for the reigning European champions. He played every minute of the Nations League finals and logged heavy minutes throughout World Cup qualifying, starting every match except the 2–2 draw against Turkey.
Arsenal stars withdraw
Zubi isn’t the only Arsenal international who is heading back to London early. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke pulled out of the England squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Japan at Wembley.
“Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will return to Arsenal for medical assessment, having arrived on Friday along with nine other players,” the FA explained in a statement. Madueke suffered an injury to his left knee in the 37th minute of Friday’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay. The winger was on the receiving end of a challenge from Rodrigo Aguirre.
Meanwhile Piero Hincapié was released from his duties with Ecuador. In a statement the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) explained that Hincapié and Midtjylland midfielder Denil Castillo “underwent medical and imaging tests and, based on the evaluations, have been ruled out of the current call‑up”. Both players will miss Tuesday’s friendly against the Netherlands in Eindhoven.
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