Arsenal‘s Piero Hincapié isn’t certain about making it to the match day squad to face Everton on Saturday, despite Mikel Arteta’s recent comments.
The Ecuador international has struggled with form and fitness this season, limiting him to 160 minutes from five matches.
Last month, he picked up a groin injury, limiting him to two appearances for Arsenal. He didn’t feature in the league win over Sunderland and the 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The defender also missed Ecuador manager Marcelo Gallardo’s first list during the last international break.
He returned to action in the Gunners’ 2-1 league win over Leeds United on October 10th. Hincapié picked up an ankle injury, forcing him to miss the league win over Nottingham Forest and the 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich.
Arteta’s positive update about Arsenal player
The north London club’s manager had initially said the 24-year-old will be out for weeks. Prior to the Bayern Munich clash, Mikel Arteta added he could be in contention to face Everton tomorrow.
He said: “…Piero, let’s see if he’s able to train in the next few days as well, he can be available for Everton, which is great news.”
El Comercio in Ecuador relay Arteta’s comments and shares their take on the player’s injury situation.
The estimation was for Piero Hincapié to be out for multiple weeks, while Arteta’s latest comments indicate a quick return. However, that doesn’t guarantee Piero Hincapié making it to the squad tomorrow.
Fresh update about Arsenal player
The outlet states: ‘Piero Hincapié still needs to complete his reintegration into team training and demonstrate that he is fit to meet the physical demands of an official match.’
He was pictured training, and El Comercio adds the Ecuadorian was only training alone. The report further adds the Arsenal man’s recovery process is in the ‘preliminary phase’ of reintegrating into the group.
The newspaper adds: ‘Individual training allows him to gradually regain mobility and physical capacity, while group sessions incorporate the demands of the game, such as changes of direction, challenges for the ball, and contact with other players.’
Ecuador are keeping a close watch on his situation ahead of November’s international break. Arteta may be cautious while handling his situation, considering Hincapié picked up two injuries this season.
