Arsenal have been back in training following the narrow Premier League win at Everton as they gear up for their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace
Mikel Arteta is looking to ensure Arsenal reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals for a second successive season
Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie was absent from Monday’s training pictures ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Crystal Palace.
While it does not necessarily mean the Ecuador international definitely did not train, it raises concern about his potential availability for the contest.
That’s because Hincapie appeared to suffer a blow to his shoulder in Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Everton in the Premier League.
In the opening exchanges of the match, Hincapie collided with fellow defender Riccardo Calafiori. It was clear at the time that he was experiencing discomfort, even though he was able to play the full 90 minutes.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, striker dilemma and fixture chaos
OPINION
Tom Canton
When Calafiori later received treatment, Hincapie was spotted rummaging through the medical bag and applying deep heat before trudging on through the pain barrier.
Given Arsenal already have a number of injury problems at the back – Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White are currently sidelined – it begs the question whether Hincapie may in fact, be rested in midweek.
He’s played a notable amount of football in recent weeks, slotting in at both centre-back and full-back for Mikel Arteta.
Again, there is every chance he may yet still be available but he was the only notable absentee from the training pictures published on Arsenal’s website.
Youngster Marli Salmon was involved in both gym work and the session out on the grass.
Salmon, 16, recently made his first-team debut when he played the final seven minutes of Arsenal’s Champions League win at Club Brugge.
Piero Hincapie suffered shoulder discomfort at Everton after colliding with Riccardo Calafiori
The teenage centre-back is very highly rated and was also part of the club’s pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong in the summer.
Arsenal could also play Calafiori at centre-back if Hincapie is unavailable while Christian Norgaard also has experience at the heart of defence.
It’s understood 19-year-old Josh Nichols also trained with Arsenal on Monday ahead of the League Cup showdown.
In midfield and attack, Arteta has a plethora of options at his disposal and there is expected to be lots of rotation.
Ethan Nwaneri is pushing for a start while Gabriel Jesus could start his first match since suffering an ACL tear at the start of the year.
Arteta said of Jesus: “Yes, he is [ready to start]. You can see now, not only in games, every day in training, how much he wants it. He’s going to deserve a chance soon.”
Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are also pushing for minutes after Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard both started at Everton.
Welcome to ‘Seeing Red’ – our new Arsenal podcast
We’ve launched a new Arsenal podcast ‘Seeing Red’ with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta’s side every step of the way – and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It’s a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League – and they’re also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We’ll provide insight and reaction – and have fun along the way – as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We’ll have it all covered.