Merino reveals he caused the 'freak accident' that hurt Zubimendi

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Mikel Merino has revealed that he was the man responsible for the training ground collision that left Martin Zubimendi with an ankle injury, confirming it was nothing more than a freak accident between team mates.

Zubimendi missed Arsenal's 3-0 Champions League win over Lille on Tuesday after picking up the knock during the post-match cool down following the 2-1 Premier League victory over Leeds at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday. Left back Piero Hincapie also suffered an ankle injury in a separate incident during the same session, which saw a cluster of players involved in a competitive drill after the Leeds match.

Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Merino explained exactly what happened to his international team mate. “He [Zubimendi] is fine, he had his ankle a little bit hurt due to an action with me and if there is anyone that doesn't want to hurt him, it's me but it was a freak accident in training but he's fine, he is a bull and recovers quickly,” Merino said.

Arteta provides fresh update

Mikel Arteta has since given his own assessment of both injuries, suggesting Zubimendi is close to a return while Hincapie faces a longer spell on the sidelines. “Zubi is much, much better. Piero is improving, but as I said, he looks more significant. I think it will be a matter of weeks, I think,” Arteta said.

The Arsenal boss added that Zubimendi's recovery is progressing well but stopped short of guaranteeing his involvement against Nottingham Forest. “We don't know exactly how many. Zubi is improving. Zubi is improving, yes. We have to see the moment he goes on that pitch, how he deals with the pain and still some small feelings that he will have, basically.”

Hincapie was unable to put any weight on his ankle at the time of the incident and was carried off the pitch on the back of goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Despite that, he was well enough to stand for Arsenal's official 2026-27 season squad photo on Wednesday at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.

Saliba absent, Tzolis also recovering

William Saliba did not feature in that squad photo, with the club citing a medical appointment as the reason for his absence. The centre back has been working on an individual programme at London Colney as he continues his recovery from the back injury that forced him off during France's World Cup semi final defeat to Spain in Dallas.

Winger Christos Tzolis is also continuing his rehabilitation at Arsenal's training base after suffering a hamstring issue during Greece's 2-2 Nations League draw with the Netherlands in Thessaloniki.

Arsenal otherwise appear to be at full strength heading into the weekend, assuming no fresh issues arose during Tuesday's win over Lille. Arteta is expected to provide a further update during his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of the trip to Nottingham Forest.