Why Martin Zubimendi Is Wearing a Mask for Arsenal

Martin Zubimendi is wearing a protective mask after suffering a suspected broken nose against Everton, but was passed fit to start Arsenal’s Carabao Cup tie at Fleetwood Town.

A suspected broken nose did not keep Martin Zubimendi out of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup tie at Fleetwood Town. The midfielder took to the pitch wearing a protective mask after being passed fit to start, just days after taking a blow to the face against Everton.

Zubimendi was hurt in the closing stages of Arsenal’s 2-0 win on Saturday. He had come on as an 80th-minute substitute and needed treatment after the contact. The injury was described as a suspected broken nose; the mask offered protection as he returned to action.

His appearance also came amid a difficult start to the season for the Spain international. Before the Fleetwood match, his only start had come in Arsenal’s previous Carabao Cup round, against Ipswich Town. He has been competing with Bruno Guimarães and Myles Lewis-Skelly for a place alongside Declan Rice in midfield.

Arsenal’s cup tie brought another test, with a trip to Liverpool due on Sunday. The team selected for Fleetwood included three teenagers: Max Dowman, Marli Salmon and Ceadach O’Neill. For Zubimendi, the mask was the visible sign of a recent setback; his selection showed he was ready to play despite it.