Arsenal missing Hincapié and Zubimendi ahead of clash with LOSC

On the eve of the Champions League match against LOSC, Mikel Arteta announced the unavailability of Piero Hincapié and Martin Zubimendi, both sidelined with ankle injuries sustained during an extra training session. This loss weakens Arsenal, which will go into the game as the “favorite” after its 1-0 win in Naples, but the absent duo could complicate the defence and midfield against Lille.

Origin of the injuries

Both players were injured after the Premier League match against Leeds United (2-1) played last Saturday. Hincapié, who came on in the 82nd minute to replace Riccardo Calafiori, and Zubimendi, who remained on the bench, took part in a so‑called “extra” training session intended for players who have had little game time. Both suffered ankle injuries.

Arteta's reactions and outlook

Arteta said that Hincapié's injury was more concerning than Zubimendi's and that both players will undergo scans to determine the length of their absence. He added that the situation was “far from ideal” and joked that the solution would be to never train the players again, while acknowledging that this would deprive the team of rhythm.

Saliba near return as Zubimendi and Hincapie miss Arsenal training

The coach also gave reassuring news about William Saliba, who has been out since the start of the season due to a back injury. Saliba has been training individually for a week and could rejoin the group sessions in the coming weeks, though no exact return date to competition has been set.

Despite these absences, Arteta expressed satisfaction with the match against Leeds, highlighting his players' character in turning the game around after falling behind, as well as the team's attacking attitude, even though the finishing still needs improvement.

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

Arsenal, winners in Naples (1-0) on the first day of the Champions League, will therefore logically go into the match as favorites against LOSC, but will have to cope without Hincapié and Zubimendi, two key pieces of the defensive line and midfield.