Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says it’s far from ideal that Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi were injured in a post‑match training session after the Gunners’ 2‑1 Premier League win against Leeds.
A follow‑up session was organised at the Emirates after Saturday’s fixture for those who either didn’t play or logged fewer than 90 minutes against Leeds.
Ecuadorian defender Hincapie was lifted off the pitch by goalkeeper Illan Meslier, and Arteta later confirmed Spanish midfielder Zubimendi also suffered a knock.
The 24‑year‑old Hincapie entered in the 82nd minute as Arsenal sealed the win, while the 27‑year‑old Zubimendi remained on the bench.
We scheduled a session for anyone lacking minutes, and unfortunately two players went down,” Arteta told reporters before Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Lille. In my view, losing two squad players like this is a setback.
Further scans will determine their condition and give us a timetable for their recovery.
When pressed about prevention, Arteta quipped that the duo simply shouldn’t have trained.
Never train and they won’t get hurt. The downside is they’ll lack rhythm and impact when you call them on game day, the Spaniard added.
It’s never happened in my seven years here. It could occur in the next day’s session.
That’s happened now; let’s hope it doesn’t repeat, but what can you do?
If I had a crystal ball I’d say, ‘Guys, hit the jacuzzi and I’ll see you tomorrow.’
Hincapie has logged three Premier League cameo appearances this term, yet started Arsenal’s Champions League triumph over Napoli last month.
Zubimendi has also mostly featured off the bench, tallying five Premier League appearances as a substitute. Will they be fit for the Lille clash?