Arteta Confirms Zubimendi Boost but Hincapie Faces Longer Arsenal Absence
Mikel Arteta has delivered mixed injury news before Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest, with Martin Zubimendi progressing quickly from an ankle problem while Piero Hincapie is expected to face a longer spell out. Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, is recovering from illness after making a decisive substitute appearance against Lille.
Key takeaways
- Zubimendi and Hincapie suffered ankle injuries during the warm-down after Arsenal’s win over Leeds United.
- Arteta said Zubimendi is “much, much better”, although Arsenal must still assess his response when he returns to the pitch.
- Hincapie’s injury appears more serious, with the manager expecting an absence measured in weeks.
- Saka was unwell and unable to start against Lille, but came on to score once and create another goal.
- Arsenal will focus first on Sunday’s away match against Nottingham Forest before turning attention to Bayern Munich.
Selection concerns before Forest visit
Arsenal’s immediate concern is the condition of Zubimendi and Hincapie after both players picked up ankle issues following the Leeds match. Arteta offered the more encouraging update on the Spanish midfielder, while stressing that his availability will depend on how he manages discomfort once he resumes full work.
“Zubi is much, much better,” Arteta said. “Piero is improving, but it looks more significant. I think it will be a matter of weeks. We don’t know exactly how many.”
On Zubimendi, he added that the midfielder is moving in the right direction but must still test the injury in training. “We have to see the moment he goes on that pitch, how he deals with the pain and still some small feelings that he will have.”
The update comes at the beginning of a demanding period, with Arsenal due to visit Forest before their Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich. Arteta, however, made clear that the City Ground fixture is his sole priority for now, with Forest seeking a much-needed home result.
Asked about Michael Olise being unavailable for Arsenal’s forthcoming European assignment, Arteta did not look ahead. “The beautiful challenge is going to be against Forest away and we need to make sure we are ready for that one,” he said.
Saka impact and tribute to Ken Friar
Saka’s role against Lille was carefully managed after illness prevented him from being fit enough to start. The England international was still eager to feature if required, and his late contribution proved important as he supplied a goal and an assist.
Arteta said Saka had not been feeling well on either of the previous two days. “He wasn’t ready to start, but he really wanted to contribute to the team. If it was needed, he came on. He made a huge impact and he delivered with real quality.”
The European win also came on a sombre day for the club following the death of Arsenal Life President Ken Friar, who spent more than 70 years serving Arsenal. Arteta paid tribute to Friar’s importance in forming the club’s modern character and said he had been fortunate to know and learn from him.
“It’s a really sad day for everybody that loves Arsenal Football Club, or anybody that loves football, or anybody that came across him,” Arteta said. “There are people in football clubs who have a role and fulfil a role. Then there are other people who create an identity, create values and have a vision to create a future for the football club.”
Arteta felt the team’s performance provided an appropriate way to honour Friar, whose influence extended far beyond his formal responsibilities at Arsenal.
