Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been dealt a frustrating double injury setback ahead of the club’s Champions League clash with Lille, with Piero Hincapié and Martín Zubimendi both suffering ankle injuries. However, there was a welcome boost for the Gunners, as William Saliba has returned to individual training following his back injury.
The injuries to Hincapié and Zubimendi are particularly disappointing because both players were expected to feature against Lille on Tuesday. Their setbacks have left Arteta facing fresh selection concerns at a crucial stage of Arsenal’s European campaign.
Double Injury Blow for Arteta
According to The Guardian, Hincapié and Zubimendi picked up their ankle injuries during a routine cool-down session on Saturday, following Arsenal’s Premier League victory over Leeds United.
Neither player started the match, but both were scheduled to get valuable minutes ahead of the Champions League fixture. Instead, their unexpected injuries have created additional problems for Arteta and his coaching staff.
Speaking about the situation, the Arsenal manager expressed his disappointment at losing two players during what should have been a routine recovery session.
“We had planned a training session for the players after the match,” Arteta explained. “They hadn’t played enough minutes for everyone to find their rhythm and, due to two very unfortunate incidents, we lost two players.”
The timing could hardly be worse for Arsenal, who are preparing for another demanding European encounter. Zubimendi’s absence could affect the midfield options, while Hincapié’s injury further complicates Arteta’s defensive planning.
Arteta Defends Arsenal’s Post-Match Routine
Despite his frustration, Arteta stood by the decision to give players who featured for limited minutes an additional training session after the Leeds game.
The Spaniard believes these sessions are important for maintaining match fitness, particularly for substitutes who may be called upon to play significant roles in upcoming fixtures.
“When they have to come on, they lack match fitness, and when they are asked to play, they have no impact on the game,” Arteta said.
He also acknowledged that injuries can occur at any time, whether during training or at the stadium.
“It could happen at the Emirates; it never happened in the seven years I’ve been here. It could happen the next day at training, and it has happened before. Let’s hope it happens now and not again.”
Arteta added that there was little the club could do to prevent every possible injury, using humour to underline how unexpected the incidents had been.
“If I had a crystal ball that allowed me to see clearly, I’d say: ‘Guys, everyone go to the jacuzzi, see you tomorrow.’”
His comments reflected the difficult balance managers must strike between keeping their squads fit and avoiding unnecessary risks.
William Saliba’s Return Offers Encouragement
While the injuries to Hincapié and Zubimendi have disrupted Arsenal’s preparations, Saliba’s return to individual training provides a much-needed positive development.
The French defender has been working his way back from a back injury sustained during the World Cup. Although he has resumed training, Arteta has indicated that his recovery will still take several weeks.
That means Arsenal are unlikely to rush him back into competitive action before he is fully ready.
Saliba’s importance to the team cannot be overstated. His composure, defensive awareness and ability to build attacks from the back have made him a key figure in Arteta’s system. His eventual return would provide a significant boost as Arsenal navigate a demanding run of fixtures.
In the meantime, Gabriel Magalhães is expected to continue anchoring the defence alongside Ezri Konsa for the meeting with Lille, although Arsenal’s final defensive selection will depend on the available players.
Gabriel, meanwhile, remains determined to move forward after the disappointment of missing a penalty in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
“I was sad and I didn’t want to miss a penalty, but I learned from it. If I have another chance, I’ll be ready to take it,” he said.
His determination reflects the mentality Arsenal will need as they look to remain competitive across all competitions.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal host Lille on Tuesday in the Champions League, with Arteta facing important decisions over his available options.
The club will assess the results of the imaging tests carried out on Hincapié and Zubimendi to establish the extent of their injuries and determine how long they could be sidelined.
Their potential absences would leave Arteta with fewer options as he attempts to balance the demands of European football with Arsenal’s Premier League commitments.
Saliba’s recovery will also be closely monitored, but the club are expected to take a cautious approach rather than risk aggravating his injury by bringing him back too soon.
For now, Arteta must find a way to navigate the immediate challenges while hoping the latest setbacks prove less serious than feared. Saliba’s return to training offers encouragement, but Arsenal will need their remaining available players to step up against Lille.
