Arsenal player’s medical reports ‘indicate positive evolution’ – Coaching staff yet to make final decision

Arsenal coaching staff will decide on Piero Hincapié’s involvement for the clash against Leeds United after the final training session. 

Last summer, Arsenal signed the Ecuador international on loan from Bayern Leverkusen and made his stay permanent earlier this year.

Operating as a left-back and a centre-back, he played 2,763 minutes from 39 matches for the Gunners in his debut season. The 24-year-old then represented his national team at the World Cup, where he played four matches.

This meant the defender didn’t do the full pre-season with the Premier League winners. Last month, he struggled with injury and fitness, limiting Hincapié to 152 minutes from four matches this season.

Arsenal player took advantage of break 

New La Tri manager Marcelo Gallardo didn’t include Piero Hincapié in his first. Last month, Sport Witness covered a report from Ecuador explaining that a groin injury forced him to miss the latest international break.

Muscle discomfort and competition have limited his minutes for the north London this season. He took advantage of the break to focus on improving his physical conditioning and El Diario now cover the latest.

Ecuador’s medical staff are monitoring his progress at Arsenal, ahead of his availability for the next international break.

The outlet states: ‘Medical reports indicate a positive evolution after the accumulated fatigue from the World Cup and the pace of the last season.’

It’s possible El Diario would have obtained this information from the national team or from the player’s camp.

Arsenal man could be in contention to face Leeds

The Gunners would want to overcome the disappointment of a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion when they face Leeds United on Saturday.

Piero Hincapié is expected to make it to Mikel Arteta’s squad for this weekend’s clash. However, the report adds Arsenal’s coaching staff will assess his condition after the final training session.

In short, the final decision about his involvement will only be after the final session. The national team would prefer the 24-year-old features regularly so that he can get in shape and rhythm for November’s international break.

Should he not feature against the Whites, there’s a good possibility Hincapié will get minutes against Lille next Tuesday.