Arsenal handed major fitness boost ahead of Everton clash | OneFootball

Good news for Gunners going into crunch period in title race

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face Everton on Saturday

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Arsenal are managing Martin Zubimendi's workload heading into the festive period.

The Spanish midfielder has started every league match and five of the six Champions League fixtures, missing the Slavia Prague match due to suspension.

Mikel Arteta gave his Arsenal players two days off after their win over Wolves on Saturday, with the players returning for an open training session in front of broadcasters on Tuesday.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Zubimendi did not take part in that which sparked some concern among fans, but there are not believed to be any injury concerns.

It is understood that Arsenal are just keen to manage his workload after a busy few months, with Zubimendi doing work away from the main group.

This will be Zubimendi's first season without a winter break, having only previous played in LaLiga for Real Sociedad, and the Gunners are keen to protect him.

Starting with a trip to take on Everton on Saturday night, Arsenal face a run of seven matches in 22 days over Christmas and into the New Year.

That includes a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on December 23 and an FA Cup tie away at Portsmouth on January 11, as Arsenal look to maintain their charge on all fronts.

Kai Havertz has returned to the grass in his comeback from injury, but is not yet ready to take part in full training and was not with his team-mates for Tuesday's session.

Defensive trio Christhian Mosquera, Ben White and Gabriel were also absent, but Arteta will be boosted for the match against Everton by the return of Riccardo Calafiori from suspension.