Arsenal news: When will Piero Hincapie return to Mikel Arteta’s squad?
Arsenal are set to receive a significant injury boost through defender Piero Hincapie.
Having only moved to North London in the summer, the Ecuadorian has only managed a solitary appearance for the Gunners.
Hincapie signed for Arsenal from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen on loan, but the deal is understood to include a £45 million option to buy.
The 23-year-old made his debut in the North Londoners' 2-0 victory over LaLiga outfit Athletic Club in the Champions League.
That came in the form of an eight-minute cameo from the bench, with it clear that Mikel Arteta was keen to ease the defender into life at N5.
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Piero Hincapie to return soon
Hincapie has since been sidelined with a groin injury, but boss Arteta is hopeful that the defender will be available for selection in the near future.
Speaking ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League clash with London rivals West Ham United, the Spaniard gave a realistic timeframe on the centre-back’s return.
“We’ve been trying to do everything as fast as possible [to get him fit], but this game came too fast,” he said.
“Now we have an international break, so hopefully after that, he will have a couple of sessions with the team and be ready to go.”
Arsenal return from international duty with another London derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage on October 18.
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Other injury updates
Another defender who could miss the North Londoners’ clash with the Hammers is Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Brazilian was brought off in the second half of Arsenal’s recent matchup against Olympiacos following a collision with goalkeeper David Raya.
While the 27-year-old avoided a serious injury, it is hit and miss whether Arteta will risk his star defender against West Ham.
Forwards Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and summer signing Noni Madueke all remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
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