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Piero Hincapie confirms injury rumours

Piero Hincapié has explained why he was left out of Ecuador’s latest squad, with the Arsenal defender confirming the reason during a live broadcast in his home country.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 30: Piero Hincapie #3 of Ecuador reacts as he leaves the pitch after being shown a red card following a VAR review after he is adjudged to have covered his mouth whilst speaking to Santiago Gimenez #11 of Mexico (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Piero Hincapié has confirmed that an injury is the reason he was left out of Ecuador’s squad for their Asian tour, explaining his absence during a live broadcast in his home country.

Hincapié explained that he was not fit enough to be available for Ecuador during this extended international window, in which Marcelo Gallardo’s side has already lost 2-0 to South Korea on Thursday.

They are due to play Japan on 1st October.

Unfortunately, he did not give any specifics on the injury or indicate how long he expects to be out for.

For Arsenal, the concern is that the defender is again dealing with a fitness problem after issues last season.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 30: Piero Hincapie #3 of Ecuador reacts as he leaves the pitch after being shown a red card following a VAR review after he is adjudged to have covered his mouth whilst speaking to Santiago Gimenez #11 of Mexico (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Hincapié missed Arsenal’s League Cup tie against Ipswich Town on 15th September with a reported muscular problem, but returned to the bench for the Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion four days later.

He has played 152 minutes across four appearances this season but has started only once, in the 1-0 win away to Napoli in the Champions League.

Since joining Arsenal at the beginning of last season, Hincapié has missed 16 matches for club and country through injury.

Groin problems account for 12 of those absences, while the others are listed only as muscular issues, with no further public detail.

Arsenal will hope the latest problem is minor, particularly given the other defensive injuries they are struggling with.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Piero Hincapie of Arsenal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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