Arsenal Dealt Piero Hincapié Blow After Latest Scans

Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié has been ruled out for several weeks after an MRI scan on the ankle problem he picked up after the victory over Leeds United, according to Mikel Arteta.

The manager revealed the extent of his injury after Arsenal beat Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday night. 

Hincapié was injured during a post-match warm-down at the Emirates following the 2-1 comeback win over Leeds on Saturday afternoon. Having come off the bench in the final ten minutes minute, he was taking part in small-sided games with other players who had not featured substantially when the incident occurred.

Cristhian Mosquera and Illan Meslier came to his aid when it became clear he was unable to put weight on his right leg, and the French goalkeeper carried him off the pitch on his back to receive treatment.

Martin Zubimendi also sustained an ankle injury during the warm-down, after the Spaniard was an unused Arsenal substitute for the first time since January, though Hincapié's injury 'looks more serious'.

Both Hincapié and Zubimendi were ruled out of the Champions League clash with Lille, with Mikel Arteta defending the decision to hold the session in his pre-match press conference.

He said, ‘When you play these kind of small-sided games, there is contact, and these things happen. They didn’t happen once last season and we did it 37 times I think.’

Myles Lewis-Skelly started in replacement for the Ecuadorian during the victory over Lille, playing the full match.

The setback is a cruel blow for Hincapié, who was making his first appearance in over a month after a muscular injury in September ruled him out of international duty.

He joined Arsenal on loan from Bayer Leverkusen in August 2025 before the move was made permanent, but has been hampered by groin and muscular issues throughout his time in north London, missing 16 games before this latest problem.

His exact return date is yet to be revealed, but the Gunners play seven matches before the November international break in four weeks, including trips to Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

His injury may also put a burden on Riccardo Calafiori, who will now have to feature more than originally planed for Arteta's side. The Italian has dealt with substantial injuries of his own since arriving in north London.

Arsenal do have cover at the back, with Jurriën Timber, Ben White, Mosquera and Ezri Konsa all returning to fitness in recent weeks, while Riccardo Calafiori started against Leeds.

Hincapié joins William Saliba, Christos Tzolis and Zubimendi on the sidelines, with Zubimendi set to return in a matter of days.