Arsenal handed double injury boost but two players to miss Bayern Munich clash

According to a report by Football London on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, Arsenal have received a double injury boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, with Piero Hincapie and Kepa Arrizabalaga returning to training.

Mikel Arteta’s side were back at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Tuesday as preparations continued for the crucial European encounter.

However, Christos Tzolis and William Saliba were absent from the session as they continue their respective recoveries.

Hincapie was spotted training individually after suffering an ankle injury during a warm-down session following Arsenal’s Premier League victory over Leeds United earlier this month.

The Ecuador international subsequently missed the Champions League meeting with Lille and the league fixture against Nottingham Forest.

His return to the training ground represents an encouraging development for Arteta, although his participation against Bayern remains uncertain given that he was still working away from the first-team group.

Kepa also returned to training after picking up a knock before Arsenal’s match against Nottingham Forest. The goalkeeper was left out of the matchday squad for that fixture, with Illan Meslier taking his place on the bench.

Meanwhile, Tzolis and Saliba remain doubts ahead of the Bayern encounter. The winger suffered a hamstring injury while representing Greece against the Netherlands during the international break.

Saliba has been managing a back problem and has been training individually for around a week. His continued absence will be a concern for Arsenal as they prepare to face one of Europe’s strongest attacking sides.

Arteta is expected to provide further information on the four players when he addresses the media in Germany on Tuesday evening.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Lille last week, the manager offered an update on Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi, who has also been recovering from an injury.

“Zubi is much, much better. Piero is improving, but it looks more significant – I think it will be a matter of weeks, but we don’t know exactly how many. We have to see with Zubi how he deals with the pain on the pitch and the feelings he will face.”

Arsenal head into the Bayern clash after extending their record to 14 consecutive Champions League league-phase victories. However, Arteta will be eager to have as many players available as possible for the demanding test.

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