Arsenal Suffer Double Injury Blow as Mikel Arteta Faces Lille Selection Dilemma

According to a report by London Evening Standard on Monday October 12, 2026, Arsenal have been handed a potential double injury setback after Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi missed Monday’s open training session ahead of their Champions League meeting with Lille.

Hincapie featured during the closing ten minutes of Arsenal’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Leeds United on Saturday. However, concerns emerged after the defender appeared to suffer an ankle injury during his post-match warm-down.

The Ecuadorian defender was reportedly carried off the pitch after experiencing discomfort, prompting medical assessments to determine the severity of the problem. His absence from training has raised doubts about his availability for Tuesday’s European fixture.

Zubimendi was also missing from Arsenal’s training session at London Colney. Reports had suggested the midfielder experienced an issue during the warm-down following the Leeds encounter, although the club has yet to confirm the extent of any injury.

Manager Mikel Arteta is expected to provide further information about both players during his pre-match press conference. Their availability could influence his selection decisions as Arsenal prepare to welcome Lille.

Hincapie’s potential absence presents a particular challenge in defence. Riccardo Calafiori has impressed this season and started every Premier League match, but Arteta has not used him in other competitions so far.

The Italian’s limited involvement outside league matches suggests Arteta may be cautious about changing his established rotation. Nevertheless, losing Hincapie could force the Arsenal manager to reconsider his defensive arrangements for the Champions League contest.

Another option would involve moving Myles Lewis-Skelly from midfield to left-back, allowing Arteta to reorganise his defence without relying on Calafiori in a competition where he has not featured this season.

Arsenal have received some encouraging news, with no other fresh injury concerns reported ahead of Lille’s visit. Ezri Konsa and Kai Havertz returned from international-break fitness problems to start against Leeds without apparent complications.

However, Christos Tzolis remains unavailable because of a hamstring injury sustained while representing Greece, while William Saliba continues recovering from a back problem aggravated during the summer’s World Cup.

Arteta will hope Hincapie and Zubimendi recover quickly, with Arsenal seeking another strong European performance. Their potential absences could complicate preparations, particularly if the manager must adjust both his defensive structure and midfield options.

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