Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have confirmed that Piero Hincapie has been included in the squad to face Atletico Madrid in tonight’s Champions League encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
The Ecuadorian defender, who joined the Gunners on loan from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer, has featured only once since his arrival in last month’s away clash against Athletic Club. His progress was halted by a groin injury that has sidelined him for several weeks.
Hincapie resumed full training last week but was not deemed fit enough to make the matchday squad for Arsenal’s 1–0 victory over Fulham on Saturday evening. However, after participating in another productive session on Monday afternoon, he has now been cleared to return to action.
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“He will be available and I think that game [against Fulham] came a bit too early for him,” Mikel Arteta said ahead of the game. “So he had another two very good sessions and now he’s ready to go.”
Piero Hincapie - Champions League
Piero Hincapie is in Arsenal squad tonight against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League (Image credit: Getty Images)
Despite a quick turnaround from the weekend fixture, Arteta has opted to field a strong lineup while rotating in two positions. Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly is handed a start at full-back, with Riccardo Calafiori dropping to the bench. On the wings, Gabriel Martinelli returns to the starting eleven, taking the place of Leandro Trossard, who netted the decisive goal at Craven Cottage.
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Arsenal will be aiming to extend their flawless start in the Champions League after convincing wins over Athletic Club and Olympiacos. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres retains his spot up front as he continues his search for form, having gone nine matches without a goal for club and country.
Confirmed Arsenal lineup: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Setford, White, Calafiori, Mosquera, Hincapie, Norgaard, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard.
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