Arteta gives positive update on Hincapie, Zubimendi and Tzolis injuries

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Mikel Arteta has delivered an encouraging update on three Arsenal players as the Gunners prepare to travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi and Christos Tzolis all closing in on returns.

Hincapie picked up an ankle injury in training following Arsenal's 2-1 win over Leeds United last weekend. He was carried off the training pitch by Illan Meslier and subsequently missed the 3-0 Champions League victory over Lille on Tuesday. Arteta has ruled him out of the Forest trip but does not expect a lengthy absence.

“Piero is evolving really well as well, knowing his character and the way he pushes everybody, it's not going to take long I don't think, probably another week or two,” Arteta said in his pre-Forest press conference.

Zubimendi a doubt for Forest clash

Zubimendi suffered a similar ankle injury in the same training session and also sat out the Lille win, but his recovery appears further along than Hincapie's. Arteta suggested the Spaniard could even be available to face Forest at the City Ground.

“Zubi is doing much better, we have another session tomorrow, let's see how he evolves,” Arteta added.

Tzolis has been absent for longer, having not featured for Arsenal since before the international break because of a muscle problem. The Greece international underwent an MRI scan on Wednesday, and Arteta sounded optimistic about his progress.

“Doing really well, had an MRI scan yesterday and he's progressing really well, another one we can hopefully have back in a few weeks,” Arteta said.

Saliba's recovery continues

William Saliba remains Arsenal's longest term absentee, having not played a single minute this season after aggravating a back injury on World Cup duty with France. Arteta confirmed the defender is due to be assessed again shortly, with a return pencilled in for November.

“Next week we have another MRI next week to see how he's progressing,” Arteta said.

Arteta was also asked about Saliba's notable absence from Arsenal's 2026/27 team photo, after fans spotted the gap in the lineup once the club released the image. The manager explained the absence was down to scheduling rather than anything more significant.

“We've tried to do the picture three times already, we have some commercial obligations so we had to do that picture, we will have another picture with the whole family one day,” Arteta finished.

Arsenal head to the City Ground on Sunday aiming to keep pace with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, having won five of their six league matches so far this season. This update on Hincapie, Zubimendi, Tzolis and Saliba was given in Arteta's press conference, as reported by football.london.