UMVA has learned that Martin Zubimendi’s battle for a place in Arsenal’s Champions League final squad has reached a critical juncture.
For most of the season, the former Real Sociedad midfielder strode into Mikel Arteta’s lineup with confidence, his performances a steady heartbeat in the midfield.
But the relentless grind of 40 fixtures began to erode his rhythm, and a dip in form saw him relegated to the bench for the Premier League clash against Fulham, replaced by Myles Lewis‑Skelly.
Zubimendi’s subsequent outings were a blur of substitutions: a half‑time cameo against West Ham cut short after 40 minutes, and a brief cameo against Burnley that ended with his own replacement.
When Arsenal locked the Champions League final berth, Lewis‑Skelly was again the first name on the sheet, a decision that left Zubimendi watching from the sidelines.
Only in the season finale against Crystal Palace did the Spaniard return to the pitch, starting at right‑back and playing every minute of a 90‑minute match.
The next week, the squad list for the Budapest showdown was unveiled, and the lineup was again a changed one, with many expected starters rested in anticipation of the clash against Paris Saint‑Germain.
Zubimendi admitted the long campaign had taken its toll, but he insisted the time away from the team had sparked a resurgence.
He told reporters that while he always envisions himself in the starting XI, the reality of squad dynamics can be unpredictable.
“I’ve been challenged by a grueling schedule that pushed me beyond my usual limits,” he said. “But I feel restored and ready to contribute when called upon.”
Arsenal, on the cusp of their first Champions League final since 2006, stands poised to capture a trophy that has eluded them for years, a victory that could seal a historic double.
Only time will reveal whether Zubimendi’s perseverance pays off on the grandest stage in European football.
