Arteta Confirms Double Blow as Hincapie and Zubimendi Miss Training

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal have suffered a double injury setback ahead of their Champions League match against Lille. Both Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi missed training on Monday after picking up problems during the post-match warm-down following Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Leeds. The pair had started that game on the bench.

Arteta explained that a session had been arranged after the Leeds match for players who had not accumulated enough minutes. “In two very unfortunate actions we lost two players,” he said. “Far from ideal. It’s never happened in seven years. We need to assess them today and have further scans to see where they are then we will have a timeframe on how long they are going to be out for.”

When asked whether the injuries could have been avoided, the manager replied that the only sure way would be not to train at all. “If they never train then they don’t get injured, but the consequence to that is when they are needed to play they have no rhythm and when you ask them to play they are going to have no impact in the game. That could happen at the Emirates—it never happened in seven years that I have been here. It could happen the next day in the training session… What can you do? If I had a crystal ball I would just say ‘guys, get in the Jacuzzi and I will see you tomorrow’.”

Tuesday’s home fixture against Lille had offered a chance to rotate, particularly after a demanding international break. With Hincapie unavailable, Riccardo Calafiori is the likeliest starter at left-back, although Jurrien Timber or Myles Lewis-Skelly could also fill in. Calafiori has been one of Arsenal’s stronger performers this season, contributing a goal and two assists, and has been rested in the Champions League so far.

The midfield is less affected. Despite Zubimendi’s absence, Arteta still has Mikel Merino, Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice and Lewis-Skelly available to operate in a double pivot.

Arsenal, who reached the Champions League final last season before losing to Paris Saint-Germain, are looking to go further this time. Arteta said the side is pleased to be back in the competition and wants to maintain momentum: “We want to keep the momentum, last year we did really well in the Champions League. It’s an opportunity for us again to attack the Champions League.”