Hincapie declares '100 per cent' fit after freak ankle injury
Piero Hincapie has confirmed he is fully fit again, declaring himself free of any injury concerns after a torrid start to the season for Arsenal.
The Ecuadorian defender has been hit by two separate fitness issues since the start of the 2026-27 campaign. He was first forced to withdraw from Ecuador's squad for their tour of Asia in September due to a groin problem, despite having been named among the substitutes against Brighton in Arsenal's last match before that international break. It was also the first camp under new La Tri head coach Marcelo Gallardo, meaning Hincapie missed out on an important early introduction.
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Having recovered from that issue, Hincapie then suffered an ankle sprain during the warm down following Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League win over Leeds, having played the final minutes of that match. In what was described as a freak accident, he had to be carried off the pitch on the back of back up goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Speaking during the current international break, Hincapie moved to put any fitness doubts to rest. “I feel very well, 100 per cent,” he said, confirming he is no longer carrying any knocks or niggles.
First camp since the World Cup
This represents Hincapie's first training camp with Ecuador since the World Cup, where he was sent off in a 2-0 Round of 32 defeat to Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. He is clearly relishing the chance to work under Gallardo, the former River Plate boss who has taken charge of La Tri since that tournament.
“It's a real joy, I've had a few conversations with the coach, and they've gone very well. He was a player himself and understands every player,” Hincapie said. “I always say it but it's a privilege to be here and to be called up by the Ecuadorian national team.”
The defender was also asked about his role at left back for Arsenal, a position he does not occupy by trade, having operated predominantly as a centre back or in a back three during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. “Yes, obviously, following the coach's orders, wherever I am, I'll always give my best,” he responded.
Hincapie has started only three matches across all competitions for Arsenal so far this season, none of them in the Premier League. He is now expected to feature for Ecuador in upcoming friendlies against Costa Rica and Bolivia, with Moises Caicedo and Willian Pacho also involved in the squad after La Tri endured a mixed run of results in September, including defeats to South Korea, and on penalties to Japan and Panama.
That game time with his national side should serve Hincapie well as he looks to force his way into Mikel Arteta's plans more regularly once Arsenal's domestic schedule resumes, according to football.london.
