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Arsenal 24yo a doubt for next game despite making squad vs Brighton

Piero Hincapie is still a doubt to face Leeds United on October 10th, despite featuring in Arsenal’s last squad and sitting out of the international break.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 05: Piero Hincapie of Arsenal FC celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Real Betis Balompie at Aviva Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Ryan Taylor reports for Football.London that sources close to Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie have indicated he remains a doubt to face Leeds United in the Gunners’ next game.

Taylor writes that Hincapie has been struggling with a muscular problem, believed to be his groin, and Arsenal are assessing him closely.

The Gunners are reportedly trying to build Hincapie’s fitness slowly via an individual training programme, and the medical staff are keen to protect the defender despite Arsenal’s busy schedule. His progress will be monitored closely over the next week and a half.

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

To some extent, it’s surprising that Hincapie is still a doubt for Arsenal’s last match. After all, he featured in the squad to face Brighton and Hove Albion after the initial injury reports, suggesting the situation wasn’t particularly serious.

The defender was then left out of the Ecuador squad for the international break, giving him a further chance to recover fully.

But Hincapie did subsequently confirm that he wasn’t fit enough to accept a call-up, so it was then clear that despite his inclusion against Brighton, he’s still dealing with his injury issue.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Pedro Neto of Chelsea is tackled by Piero Hincapie of Arsenal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on September 06, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

For the time being, Arsenal fans won’t be overly concerned about Hincapie’s situation. As long as the player is back soon, Riccardo Calafiori should be able to fill in until then.

The problem is that Calafiori is still on international duty, as is emergency left-back option Myles Lewis-Skelly. Another injury or two and Hincapie’s status could become a much greater cause for concern.

Myles Lewis-Skelly of England in action during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between England and Spain at Wembley Stadium on September 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
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