Tzolis still out for Everton clash but Hincapie back in Arsenal squad
Christos Tzolis is edging closer to a return but will miss Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton, with Mikel Arteta confirming the Greek winger has not yet rejoined full team training.
Tzolis has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury on international duty, suffered during Greece's 2-2 Nations League draw with Holland in Thessaloniki on October 1. He has been working through his rehabilitation at the Sobha Realty Training Centre but is still short of full group sessions.
The Friday Injury Tracker
Who's out, who's back and what it means for the next two games.
According to football.london, there is a realistic chance Tzolis could be back involved for next weekend's trip to Liverpool, with an outside chance he could even feature at Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday if his progress this weekend goes well. Arsenal are said to be wary of rushing him back, particularly with Bukayo Saka now also sidelined with a quad injury.
Eze in line to deputise again
With Tzolis unavailable, Eberechi Eze looks set to continue on the left flank against Everton. Eze has scored twice in his last three appearances and will be keen to build on that form as Arsenal look to maintain momentum in the Premier League.
Max Dowman is also continuing to push for more game time. The youngster scored twice in the Carabao Cup third round win at Ipswich Town and looks set to start against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night.
Hincapie available again
There was better news on the defensive front, with Piero Hincapie back in full training and available for selection against Everton. The Ecuador international had been working individually on the grass earlier in the week ahead of Arsenal's Champions League draw against Bayern Munich, though he did not travel to Germany for that match.
Hincapie's injury came in unusual circumstances, picking up an ankle problem during what was described as a post-match warm down or training session on the Emirates pitch following Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League win over Leeds United.
Arteta confirmed the defender's return on Friday, saying: "Piero, he's trained with us and is available for tomorrow as well."
Arsenal will be hoping Tzolis can follow a similar timeline back into contention, with the Liverpool fixture next weekend shaping up as a realistic target for his return.
