Neither Piero Hincapie nor Martin Zubimendi took part in Arsenal’s open training session this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Lille.
Reports surfaced on Saturday that both had picked up injuries during the squad’s warm-down exercises after the 2-1 win over Leeds United.
The pair are believed to have been hurt during a small-sided game. Eagle-eyed fans filmed Hincapie in agony before his teammates carried him off the pitch.
We’ve heard the injury is serious, potentially a broken foot, and he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
There’s been no update on Zubimendi, while Christos Tzolis was also absent with a hamstring issue. Mikel Arteta is due to speak to the press this afternoon, so we may learn more then.
In better news, William Saliba was spotted, although he was working individually away from the main group. He’s working his way back from a long-standing back problem and is targeting a return next month.
Arsenal have a deep squad, but the schedule is busy, with five more matches to come this month. Injuries to players on the fringes mean more minutes for others. Over a long season, those minutes add up and can bring problems of their own.