Mikel Arteta is flat out calling it “far from ideal” after Arsenal saw not one, but *two* players, Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi, go down with injuries in a post-match training session. This is right after the Gunners snagged a 2-1 Premier League victory against Leeds, which makes the whole situation even crazier. You win the game, you’re buzzing, and then *boom*, your depth takes a hit in practice. Talk about a gut punch.
What Even Happened?! Two Unfortunate Actions Take Out Key Reserves
So, here’s the deal. After Saturday’s match at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal held a training session. Not for everyone, mind you, but for the guys who either didn’t play at all or didn’t get the full 90 minutes against Leeds. The idea, according to Arteta, was to keep “everybody in the best rhythm” and ensure similar output across the squad given their packed schedule. Hincapie, the 24-year-old Ecuador defender, had actually subbed in for the last eight minutes of the Leeds win. Zubimendi, the 27-year-old Spain midfielder, was an unused substitute. Then, in “two unfortunate actions” during a small-sided game on the pitch, both went down. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier had to carry Hincapie off the field on his back. Seriously. Arteta confirmed Zubimendi was also hurt, calling Hincapie’s ankle injury “more serious.” Both joined Arsenal last summer, and while they’ve mostly been substitutes, Hincapie did start a Champions League win over Napoli last month, and Zubimendi has five Premier League appearances off the bench. These aren’t just benchwarmers, they’re guys who contribute.
Arteta’s Frustration Boils Over as Scans Loom
Arteta, speaking before Tuesday’s Champions League match against Lille, laid it all out. He talked about the planned session and how quickly things went sideways. When reporters pressed him on what could have been done differently, the man even *joked* they should’ve just never trained. “Never train and they don’t get injured,” he quipped, then immediately hit back with the reality: “The consequence of that is when you ask them to play they have no rhythm and no impact in the game.” He’s clearly baffled, saying this kind of thing “never happened in seven years I’ve been here.” His frustration was clear, especially regarding Meslier carrying Hincapie off, noting, “that’s something else, not to discuss here.” It sounds like there’s some internal stuff he’s not thrilled about on top of the injuries. Both players are set for further scans, and then, *then* Arsenal will get a timeframe for how long they’ll be out. What a mess to navigate, especially with a Champions League game right around the corner.
Now, with those scans coming, every Arsenal fan is holding their breath. The Gunners face Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday, and you know Arteta wants his full squad ready. Losing depth like this, even from guys who haven’t been everyday starters, hurts. Here’s hoping those scans aren’t as bad as they sound and Hincapie and Zubimendi can be back on the pitch sooner rather than later.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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