Arsenal midfielder, Martín Zubimendi, has become the club’s 10th player to withdraw from international duty this window, ESPN reports.
The Spaniard left the national team due to a knee issue, missing Spain’s upcoming friendly against Egypt.
Zubimendi had come off the bench in Spain’s 1-0 win over Serbia on Friday, replacing Manchester City’s Rodri. Ahead of Tuesday’s clash, the Spanish Football Federation confirmed his withdrawal.
“Martín Zubimendi has withdrawn from the Spanish national team camp due to discomfort in his right knee,” Spain said in a statement. “To avoid any risk and to protect the player’s health, he has been removed from the squad. Arsenal FC’s medical staff have been informed of the situation.”
He follows defender Piero Hincapié, who also left his Ecuador squad early ahead of their friendly with the Netherlands. Hincapié featured for 72 minutes against Morocco on Friday before returning to Arsenal to begin recovery from an undisclosed injury.
Zubimendi and Hincapié join teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who returned early from England duty.
Neither Rice nor Saka played in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay and will miss Tuesday’s match against Japan while undergoing medical checks.
Elsewhere, Noni Madueke was forced off during the Uruguay game and was later seen wearing a knee brace.
Eberechi Eze had already withdrawn from England duty with a calf injury, sidelining him for at least a month and causing him to miss Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
Earlier this international window, William Saliba, Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, and Jurriën Timber also pulled out of action for France, Brazil, Belgium, and the Netherlands, respectively. Arsenal confirmed all four will continue their treatment at the club.
The Gunners face a busy schedule as they chase silverware on three fronts. Mikel Arteta’s side return to FA Cup action with a quarterfinal trip to Southampton on April 4, followed by the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Sporting Lisbon on April 7.
In the Premier League, Arsenal remain nine points clear at the top and face Bournemouth at home on April 11 before a crucial top-of-the-table showdown with Manchester City on April 19.
