Arsenal will face Lille at the Emirates on Tuesday night without Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapié after both players suffered ankle injuries in training.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the double setback on Monday, less than 24 hours before the Gunners host LOSC in the second round of the Champions League league phase. Kick-off in north London is scheduled for 21:00.
Zubimendi and Hincapié were injured during a Saturday session held at the Emirates for players who had either not featured, or played limited minutes, in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Leeds. Zubimendi did not take part in that match, while Hincapié entered in the 80th minute.
Arteta awaiting further tests
The Arsenal manager said both players require further medical examinations, with the extent of the injuries not yet fully established.
“We lost both of them in two unfortunate incidents,” Arteta said. “They will need additional tests to determine exactly where they stand. What is certain is that neither will be available tomorrow. We should know more then.”
Hincapié’s issue appears to be the more concerning of the two, with Arteta acknowledging that the defender’s injury looks more serious.
Saliba still working alone
Arsenal are also continuing to manage William Saliba’s absence. The French centre-back is training individually as he recovers from a back problem and is not yet ready to rejoin the group.
Arteta expects Saliba to return to collective training in the coming weeks, but offered no firm timetable because of the nature of the injury.
“It is a very specific back injury, so I cannot say how he will respond during the recovery process,” the Arsenal coach said.
Lille travel to London looking to take advantage of an Arsenal squad suddenly stretched in midfield and defence for a major European evening.
