Piero Hincapié unlikely to feature against Everton despite Arteta update

Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié faces an uncertain return to first-team action for Saturday’s Premier League match against Everton, according to a report by Sport Witness.​

Despite optimistic comments from manager Mikel Arteta suggesting the 24-year-old could feature, reports from Ecuadorian outlet El Comercio reveal that the defender’s recovery remains in its “preliminary phase.”

Hincapié has suffered a stop-start campaign hampered by groin and ankle injuries, restricting him to just five appearances and 160 minutes of playing time this season.​

Although pictured back on the training pitch, the Ecuador international has only been training individually to regain mobility. To be cleared for match selection, Hincapié must still successfully complete full team sessions and withstand match-intensity contact.

Given his recent fitness setbacks, Arsenal’s medical staff are expected to take a cautious approach to avoid risking a recurrence ahead of the upcoming November international break.