Arsenal will be without Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi against Lille on Tuesday after both players were injured during additional training following Saturday’s win over Leeds United.
Mikel Arteta described two unfortunate incidents in a session arranged for players who had received limited match minutes. Hincapie entered the 2–1 victory in the 82nd minute, while Zubimendi remained an unused substitute.
Both players sustained ankle injuries and require further assessment, the Guardian reported Monday. A firm recovery timetable was not announced.
Arteta said he had not experienced a comparable double setback during his seven years at the club. He defended the need for the extra work, explaining that squad players must maintain their rhythm so they can contribute when selected.
Hincapie started Arsenal’s Champions League win over Napoli last month, despite appearing mainly from the bench in the league. Zubimendi has also largely been used as a league substitute this season.
Their absence reduces Arteta’s options in defense and midfield for the Lille match. Arsenal now face another selection decision while waiting for clearer information from the scans.
More coverage: TSP’s soccer section.
