Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that defender Piero Hincapie faces a late fitness test ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Chelsea.
Arteta provides Chelsea team ews with Hincapie update
The 24-year-old sustained a minor groin issue during last week’s Premier League draw with Liverpool.
Hincapie missed Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Portsmouth, and Arteta admitted his premature substitution against Liverpool was concerning.
“Obviously he had to come off which is never a good sign,” Arteta told Arsenal.com.
The club expects results from further medical assessments today, with the manager hopeful the defender will not face a lengthy absence.
This update forces Arteta to reconsider his defensive plans as the Gunners travel to Stamford Bridge.
With fellow defender Riccardo Calafiori also working back from a muscle injury, Myles Lewis-Skelly could continue at left-back after his recent involvement.
Arteta is poised to recall several first-team regulars for the crucial cup tie. Key figures like Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka are likely to return to the starting lineup.
Gabriel Martinelli may also retain his place on the left wing following a standout performance at the weekend.
The match marks a significant step in Arsenal’s pursuit of a first domestic cup under Arteta.
The team carries an eight-game unbeaten run against their London rivals into the fixture, though recent encounters have been tightly contested.
Arsenal will aim to establish a strong advantage ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on February 3rd.
