Arsenal's Injury Woes: Arteta Reacts to Hincapie and Zubimendi Setbacks

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta is feeling the heat after injuries to Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi during a training session that followed the team's 2-1 victory over Leeds. Arteta described the situation as "far from ideal," reflecting the disappointment of losing two players so soon after a win. The training, aimed at getting minutes for players who had limited action against Leeds, turned sour when Hincapie was carried off by goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Arteta confirmed that Zubimendi also sustained an injury during the session. Hincapie, 24, had entered the match late, while 27-year-old Zubimendi was an unused substitute. "We had a training session planned after the match, and in two unfortunate moments, we lost two players," Arteta stated in a press conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Lille. The manager indicated that both players would undergo scans to determine the severity of their injuries and how long they might be sidelined. When asked about preventative measures for such injuries, Arteta quipped that perhaps the duo should skip training altogether. "Never train and they don’t get injured," he joked, though he acknowledged the importance of maintaining match fitness. "It could happen in training at any time, and it’s unfortunate that it happened now." Arteta has a history of organizing training for players who haven’t played the full match, ensuring they remain in sync with the squad's rhythm. Unfortunately, this time it backfired, with Hincapie's ankle issue being more serious than Zubimendi's. Adding to the drama, Hincapie was seen being carried off the pitch by Meslier, an act that Arteta felt warranted further discussion. "That’s something else, not to discuss here," he remarked, emphasizing his concern over the situation. Hincapie has made three appearances off the bench in the Premier League this season and has started in the Champions League, while Zubimendi has primarily come on as a substitute. With the busy schedule ahead, both players' injuries could pose a significant challenge for the Gunners.