Arsenal lose Hincapie, Zubimendi to injuries ahead of Lille clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has announced that midfielders Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi will miss Tuesday's UEFA Champions League match against Lille due to injuries sustained during a post-match training session. The duo, who came on as substitutes in the 80th minute of Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League win over Leeds United on Saturday, were reportedly injured while participating in a training drill for players who did not receive enough playing time.

Arteta stated that the severity of the injuries is yet to be determined, as the players undergo further medical assessments. Hincapie's injury appears to be more serious than Zubimendi's, though a definitive recovery timeline has not been established. Both players are expected to miss the Lille match and will have a scan today, with a possible update tomorrow.

Arteta defended the decision to hold the extra training session, arguing that maintaining fitness and readiness is crucial for players. He also mentioned that Arsenal has conducted similar sessions 37 times previously without encountering similar issues. Meanwhile, defender William Saliba is gradually recovering from injury and has resumed individual training on the pitch.

Arteta expects Saliba's return to competitive action to be assessed over the next few weeks, with his availability potentially falling either before or after the November international break. The injuries to Hincapie and Zubimendi pose a setback for Arsenal's Champions League campaign as they prepare to face Lille.