Arsenal Injuries Create Selection Headache As Hincapie And Zubimendi Withdraw

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Arsenal are dealing with more injury concerns after Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi left international duty, increasing pressure on Mikel Arteta's squad options. Both players returned to north London for checks, adding to a lengthening list of fitness issues across defence and midfield.

The club already have 10 players back at Arsenal for medical assessment or treatment. These setbacks arrive before an FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton on Saturday and a Champions League last-eight first leg away to Sporting CP on 7 April, creating selection concerns.

Hincapie featured for Ecuador on Friday, playing 72 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Morocco. Ecuador later confirmed on Sunday that Hincapie had departed the national squad. The statement said the defender would rejoin Arsenal to start a recovery programme after medical tests, without revealing the exact problem.

Spain used Zubimendi as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Serbia on Friday, with the midfielder replacing Rodri and playing 14 minutes. Spain then announced that discomfort in Zubimendi's right knee forced a withdrawal from the squad for the forthcoming match against Egypt. "Martin Zubimendi has withdrawn from the Spanish national team camp due to discomfort in his right knee, Spain said in a statement. To avoid any risk and to protect the player's health, he has been removed from the squad."

Hincapie becomes the fourth defender currently unavailable for Arsenal, deepening issues in that area of the pitch. Midfield is also affected, with Zubimendi's withdrawal following Declan Rice leaving the England camp on Saturday. Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke have also departed international duty with fitness problems.

These injuries arrive during a demanding period in Arsenal's schedule, with knockout ties approaching in both domestic and European competitions. Arteta must now balance reduced options at the back and in midfield while preparing line-ups for the Southampton meeting and the Sporting CP tie.

Arsenal's medical staff will now evaluate Hincapie and Zubimendi on their return, alongside the other affected players. The club will base any selection decisions for the FA Cup and Champions League matches on those assessments, as they monitor how quickly each player recovers.