Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has withdrawn from Spain's squad due to right knee discomfort, becoming the 10th Gunners player to pull out of international duty this break—following earlier withdrawals reported amid post-EFL Cup final injury concerns. Ecuador's Piero Hincapie has also returned to the club after medical tests.
Zubimendi, who substituted in Spain's 3-0 win over Serbia on Friday, will miss Tuesday's friendly against Egypt. The RFEF cited 'discomfort in his right knee' and sent him back to Arsenal 'to preserve his health,' avoiding risks after his strong season (31 PL appearances, 30 starts, 5 goals, 1 assist).
This continues a trend since Arsenal's 2-0 EFL Cup final loss to Manchester City, with seven of the 10 who started that match now withdrawn. Earlier cases included Gabriel, William Saliba, Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard, and Jurrien Timber.
Recent additions like England's Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Noni Madueke have joined the list for fitness issues.
Meanwhile, Hincapie played 72 minutes in Ecuador's 1-1 draw with Morocco before medical tests led to his release alongside Denil Castillo, with results shared with Arsenal for monitoring.
Arsenal, leading the Premier League by nine points, resume with Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on April 4.
