Martin Zubimendi rested, not injured, as Arsenal gear up for Everton clash

The Spain midfielder has been one of Arsenal's most heavily used players this season. Among outfield players, only Declan Rice has logged more Premier League minutes. 

Zubimendi has started every league match and five of Arsenal's six Champions League games, missing only the group match against Slavia Prague through suspension. That level of involvement has underlined his importance to Mikel Arteta's plans.

Concerns briefly surfaced when Zubimendi did not appear in Tuesday's open training session, which followed two days off after the win over Wolves. However, there have been no injury issues. Arsenal are understood to have taken a precautionary approach, with the midfielder completing individual work away from the main group to control his load.

Arteta has repeatedly stressed the need for balance during the winter period. "We have to be intelligent with the minutes," Arteta has said. "The schedule is demanding and the players who have played a lot need protecting if we want them at their best."

This season has been a new physical challenge for Zubimendi. It is his first campaign without a winter break after previously playing only in La Liga with Real Sociedad, and Arsenal are keen to ensure he remains fresh rather than overexposed.

Saturday night's trip to Everton marks the start of a punishing run of seven matches in 22 days. Arsenal also face a Carabao Cup quarter final against Crystal Palace on December 23 and an FA Cup third-round tie away to Portsmouth on January 11, as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.

There have been mixed updates elsewhere at London Colney. Kai Havertz has returned to grass work as he recovers from injury but has not yet rejoined full training. Ben White, Gabriel and Christian Mosquera were also absent from the session. Arsenal, however, will be boosted by Riccardo Calafiori's return from suspension for the Everton match.

With the title race likely to be decided by fine margins, Arsenal's careful handling of Zubimendi has reflected planning and ambition rather than concern.