Arsenal’s preparations for their crucial Premier League clash against Fulham have been rocked by a fresh double injury blow, with two key stars, Martin Zubimendi and Ben White, missing the Gunners’ latest training session at London Colney. This alarming development has left manager Mikel Arteta facing a potential crisis as his squad battles a mounting injury list that threatens to derail their season.
In a worrying turn of events, summer signing Martin Zubimendi was spotted on the sidelines alongside sporting director Andrea Berta, merely watching as his teammates trained. Meanwhile, Ben White was conspicuously absent altogether, raising immediate concerns about their availability for the upcoming match at Craven Cottage. The absence of these two pivotal players has sent shockwaves through the Arsenal camp, with fans and pundits alike fearing the worst.
Zubimendi, who joined Arsenal in the summer, has been a vital cog in Arteta’s midfield, providing stability and creativity. His potential absence could force a tactical reshuffle, with Declan Rice possibly dropping into a deeper role or Christian Norgaard stepping in as a direct replacement. While Norgaard offers a solid option, moving Rice from his more advanced position could disrupt the team’s attacking rhythm.
Ben White’s absence is equally concerning. Despite Jurrien Timber’s impressive performances at right-back keeping White out of the starting lineup recently, the former Brighton star remains a crucial part of Arteta’s defensive plans. His versatility and experience are invaluable, especially with Arsenal’s backline already stretched thin.
Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign has been plagued by fitness issues, with key players like William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, and captain Martin Odegaard all sidelined at various points. Odegaard, in particular, is currently nursing a knee injury (MCL) sustained before the October international break, which is expected to keep him out until November. The Norwegian playmaker had already been hampered by a shoulder problem earlier in the season, forcing him off in two separate matches.
Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz are also on the injury list, though Arteta remains cautiously optimistic about Havertz’s recovery. Speaking in September, the Arsenal boss admitted, “With Kai, we know that it will be months with him. I don’t know if it can be weeks; you never know… We really miss him. Hopefully, he will be back, and back for the long term as well, so it is very important to look after that knee.” Havertz’s progress offers a glimmer of hope, but his return remains uncertain.
Amid the gloom, there is some positive news for Arsenal fans. Deadline day signing Piero Hincapie was involved in the training session, marking a significant step in his recovery from a groin injury that has limited him to just a few minutes of action since joining from Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, Saka and Saliba, who played extensively for their national teams during the recent international break, are on the cusp of returning to full fitness and are expected to feature against Fulham.
The international break may have exacerbated Arsenal’s injury woes. Zubimendi played 144 minutes for Spain, while Mikel Merino, another key midfielder, also featured heavily and even scored a brace. The physical toll of international duty could explain the cautious approach with Zubimendi, though Arteta will provide further clarity during his pre-match press conference tomorrow.
With the Fulham clash looming on Saturday evening, Arteta faces a race against time to assess the fitness of his squad. The potential absence of Zubimendi and White could force the manager to rely on less experienced options or adapt his tactical setup. While Timber’s form at right-back provides some reassurance, the loss of Zubimendi’s midfield presence would be a significant blow, especially with Odegaard already sidelined.
Arsenal’s depth will be tested, but Arteta’s ability to navigate this injury crisis could define the Gunners’ season. Fans will be anxiously awaiting updates, hoping this nightmare scenario doesn’t derail their title aspirations.