Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces fresh defensive concerns ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion, with Piero Hincapie now a major doubt for the fixture.
Hincapie's setback and Gabriel's progress
The 23-year-old defender, who has been deputising for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, started in the 1-0 win at Everton last Saturday but picked up an injury during that match. His absence was confirmed when he was left out of the squad entirely for Tuesday night's Carabao Cup penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace.
Speaking after the Palace match, Arteta clarified the situation, stating: "With Piero, yeah, something different because he picked up an injury against Everton."
There is more positive news regarding first-choice centre-back Gabriel. The Brazilian, who suffered a groin injury on international duty in November, is closing in on a return but has not yet resumed full training. When asked if Gabriel could feature against Brighton, Arteta remained cautious, saying, "We'll have to wait and see... He hasn't trained yet, he's still doing his rehab. But hopefully as quickly as possible because we know the situation that we have in the back line."
Major boost as Havertz returns to training
In a significant boost for the Gunners' attacking options, Kai Havertz has returned to full training this week. The German international has been sidelined since August with a knee injury sustained in the 1-0 win against Manchester United.
Arteta expressed his delight at the player's impending return, highlighting his unique qualities: "He's a player that we missed a lot, a player that brings the team into a different dimension. So, I'm really happy to have him back very soon." However, the manager tempered expectations regarding an immediate return to match action, noting his comeback would be "a matter of days, if not weeks" depending on his response to training.
Implications for Brighton clash and beyond
The latest injury updates present Arteta with a selection puzzle for the weekend. With Hincapie likely unavailable and Gabriel's status uncertain, the manager may have to rely on other defensive options alongside William Saliba.
The return of Havertz to the training pitch is a timely development as Arsenal enter a busy period. His creativity and presence in the final third have been sorely missed, and his phased reintegration will be carefully managed.
All eyes will now be on Arsenal's final training sessions before the trip to the Amex Stadium, where they will hope to secure a vital three points in the Premier League title race.
