Arsenal dealt fresh injury scare as key defender withdraws from Ecuador squad

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Arsenal have been handed another injury concern during the international break after Piero Hincapie withdrew from Ecuador’s squad following medical tests.

The left-back started Ecuador’s 1-1 draw against Morocco on Friday, playing 72 minutes at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano before being substituted for AC Milan’s Pervis Estupinan. However, subsequent medical examinations have ruled him out of Tuesday’s friendly against Netherlands.

According to the Evening Standard, the Ecuadorian Football Federation confirmed that Hincapie and teammate Denil Castillo underwent medical and imaging tests, with both players subsequently withdrawn from the squad based on the evaluation results.

The federation’s statement read: “The results were immediately sent to their clubs, where they will begin their respective recovery processes. The national team’s medical staff will monitor their progress.”

Hincapie is now returning to London Colney to begin his recovery, adding to Mikel Arteta’s growing injury list ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Southampton on April 4.

Growing injury concerns

The Bayer Leverkusen loanee has established himself as a key figure in Arteta’s side since arriving on Transfer Deadline Day last summer. The Colombian defender appears to have secured the left-back position ahead of Riccardo Calafiori and academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Hincapie’s withdrawal compounds Arsenal’s injury woes during this international window. William Saliba, Eberechi Eze, Jurrien Timber, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel have all pulled out of international duty due to various injuries.

Additionally, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice missed England’s friendly against Uruguay and have since left the camp ahead of Tuesday’s match against Japan, returning to Arsenal for medical assessment.

Wider impact on squad depth

The injury concerns extend beyond Arsenal’s current squad, with Martin Zubimendi removed from Spain’s squad due to right knee discomfort. The Real Sociedad midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to north London in recent transfer windows.

Noni Madueke was also spotted walking through Wembley’s media mixed zone wearing a knee brace on his left leg, highlighting the physical toll of the current campaign on players across multiple clubs.

Arsenal’s medical staff will now assess the full extent of Hincapie’s issue as they prepare for the business end of the season. The Gunners face a crucial period with the FA Cup quarter-final representing their best chance of silverware this campaign, making the defender’s fitness a significant concern for Arteta’s tactical planning.