![\"Mikel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_GettyImages-2252892264.jpg\")
Mikel Arteta is looking to ensure Arsenal reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals for a second successive season<\/p>\nArsenal 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 PalaceMikel Arteta is looking to ensure Arsenal reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals for a second successive season<\/p>\n
Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie was absent from Monday’s training pictures ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Crystal Palace<\/a>.<\/p>\n While it does not necessarily mean the Ecuador international definitely did not train, it raises concern about his potential availability for the contest.<\/p>\n That’s because Hincapie appeared to suffer a blow to his shoulder in Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Everton<\/a> in the Premier League.<\/p>\n In the opening exchanges of the match, Hincapie collided with fellow defender Riccardo Calafiori<\/a>. It was clear at the time that he was experiencing discomfort, even though he was able to play the full 90 minutes.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, striker dilemma and fixture chaos<\/a> OPINION<\/p>\n When Calafiori later received treatment, Hincapie was spotted rummaging through the medical bag and applying deep heat before trudging on through the pain barrier.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He’s played a notable amount of football in recent weeks, slotting in at both centre-back and full-back for Mikel Arteta.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Youngster Marli Salmon was involved in both gym work and the session out on the grass.<\/p>\n Salmon, 16, recently made his first-team debut when he played the final seven minutes of Arsenal’s Champions League win at Club Brugge.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Arsenal could also play Calafiori at centre-back if Hincapie is unavailable while Christian Norgaard also has experience at the heart of defence.<\/p>\n It’s understood 19-year-old Josh Nichols also trained with Arsenal on Monday ahead of the League Cup showdown.<\/p>\n In midfield and attack, Arteta has a plethora of options at his disposal and there is expected to be lots of rotation.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are also pushing for minutes after Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard both started at Everton.<\/p>\n We’ve launched a new Arsenal podcast ‘Seeing Red’ with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League – and they’re also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.<\/p>\n We’ll provide insight and reaction – and have fun along the way – as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.<\/p>\n No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We’ll have it all covered.<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Gabriel-Jesus-Viktor-Gyokeres-and-Arsenal.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Author](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_image-13.png\")
Tom Canton<\/p>\n![\"Piero](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_GettyImages-2252898943.jpg\")
Piero Hincapie suffered shoulder discomfort at Everton after colliding with Riccardo Calafiori<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_SEEING-RED-ART-1.jpg\")
Welcome to ‘Seeing Red’ – our new Arsenal podcast<\/p>\n