Mikel Arteta has admitted frustration after Piero Hincapié and Martín Zubimendi sustained ankle injuries during the warm-down after Arsenal’s win against Leeds on Saturday. Both are due to have scans on Monday to determine the extent of the damage, although Arteta said they would miss the Champions League game at home to Lille on Tuesday and that Hincapié’s injury “looks a little bit more serious”. It could happen the next day in the training session, and that has happened before, and hopefully it happens now and doesn’t happen again.
If I knew I had a crystal ball clear, I’d say: ‘Guys, go in the Jacuzzi, everybody, I’ll see you tomorrow.’” Hincapié and Zubimendi were expected to feature against Lille having not started in the Premier League this season. Arteta seemed disappointed with Illan Meslier and his staff after the reserve goalkeeper gave Hincapié a piggyback off the pitch rather than waiting for a stretcher. Piero’s one looks a little bit more serious, I think, but we’ll have to wait and see.” There was better news for Arsenal as William Saliba has resumed training on his own as he recovers from a back injury sustained at the World Cup.
Arteta would not be drawn on when the France defender could be back and is determined not to rush his recovery. Gabriel Magalhães is likely to be partnered by Ezri Konsa again against his former club on Tuesday. The Brazil defender insisted he would not hesitate to take another penalty in a shootout despite missing the crucial spot kick in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
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