Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie has been fully involved in first-team training ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Leeds United, according to El Diario.
The Ecuadorian had a superb debut season on loan with the Gunners last term. He made 39 appearances in all competitions before securing a permanent move from Bayer Leverkusen for £34.5 million.
Hincapie’s involvement has been minimal this campaign, with only 152 minutes of playing time. He has played second fiddle to Riccardo Calafiori at left-back and has also been nursing a minor groin issue.
The 24-year-old was in the matchday squad for the 3-0 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break, but he was still left out of national team duty to make a complete recovery.
El Diario now claim Hincapie is fully fit, having been spotted training with the Gunners.
Medical reports suggest ‘positive progress after the fatigue’ from the World Cup and last season’s workload with the Gunners. He was the regular starting left-back earlier this year.
Hincapie focused on his physical conditioning during the extended international break after overcoming his injury concerns. He could now make his first appearance since September 9.
Hincapie could come on as a substitute vs Leeds
Hincapie had a splendid debut season with the Gunners. The Ecuadorian initially started as a left centre-back and provided good cover for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes during the festive schedule.
Calafiori’s injury before the turn of the year paved the way for Hincapie to replace him at left-back, and he managed to secure a regular role thereafter, starting in the big matches for Arsenal.
Hincapie made the XI in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City and also played the full 120 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, where he had a muscle issue in extra-time.
Despite his fitness concerns, the former Leverkusen man was a regular for Ecuador at the World Cup. He returned late to the Gunners as a result and now needs to earn his starting spot once more.
Calafiori had a complete pre-season after Italy did not qualify for the World Cup. Barring the Brighton game, he has been brilliant for the Gunners, making three goal contributions.
The Italian also scored his maiden international goal against Turkey earlier this week. He should be brimming with confidence and looks poised to start at left-back against Leeds tomorrow.
Hincapie has been an unused substitute when fit for selection lately. Arsenal have a hectic schedule coming up, with nine matches across all competitions in the space of just 28 days.
Calafiori has had injury concerns in the past too. With Hincapie having fully recovered from a nagging groin issue, he could make a cameo appearance against Daniel Farke’s side.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com