Arsenal brace for double injury blow after Leeds win, says Arteta

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta confirmed a very unfortunate double injury blow after the Gunners’ 2‑1 win over Leeds United, with Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie sidelined ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Lille. The injuries were sustained during the post‑match cool‑down, leaving Artura to assess their impact on the squad.

Leeds comeback fuels optimism

Arsenal returned to Premier League action after the extended international break by overturning an early deficit to beat Leeds United 2‑1 at the Emirates. Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring before Bruno Guimaraes added the winner, securing all three points for the Gunners.

Post‑match cool‑down claims two players

During the warm‑down following Saturday’s match, Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie both suffered injuries. Both missed the Monday morning training session ahead of the Tuesday night Champions League group‑stage encounter with Ligue 1 side Lille.

"We had a training session planned for after the game for players that did not have enough minutes to get some recovery and rhythm," Arteta told reporters.

He added, "In two very unfortunate actions we lost two players. Not great. We need to assess them today and have further scans to see where they are then we will have a timeframe on how long they are going to be out for. It's far from ideal."

Saliba near return as Zubimendi and Hincapie miss Arsenal training

When asked how such incidents could be avoided, Arteta replied, "Very easy, you don't train. If they never train then they don't get injured, but the consequence is they have no rhythm when needed." He also joked, "If I had a crystal ball I would just say ‘guys, get in the Jacuzzi and I will see you tomorrow’."

Hincapie, who had been introduced in the 82nd minute, was seen clutching his right ankle as he was carried off the pitch.

Zubimendi did not feature in the Leeds game, yet still required assessment after the post‑match session.

Arsenal missing two key players for Champions League clash with Lille

Saliba's gradual return

William Saliba has now been back on grass for over a week, with Arteta saying the French defender is managing his load and rebuilding capacity. "In the next few weeks we hope to introduce him to team training," Arteta explained, adding that the club is still talking in terms of weeks before he can be fully available.

Arteta stressed the situation is far from ideal and that the medical team will provide a timetable for Zubimendi and Hincapie, while the Gunners prepare for Lille with a reduced squad.