Arsenal have been handed a welcome boost as Piero Hincapie returned to first-team training ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Fulham.
The Ecuadorian defender, signed from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, suffered an injury during his debut in the Champions League last month.
Hincapie has missed Arsenal’s last five matches across all competitions but now looks set to return sooner than initially expected, reports Metro.
He was pictured training with the senior squad on Thursday, signalling potential involvement in Mikel Arteta’s squad for the upcoming London derby.
Arteta is expected to confirm the defender’s availability in his Friday press conference before the trip to Craven Cottage this weekend.
Arteta Still Without Several Key Players
Despite Hincapie’s return, Arsenal remain without Martin Ødegaard, who continues to recover from a knee problem sustained against West Ham United.
Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke are also sidelined with long-term injuries, leaving the Gunners short of attacking depth and creativity.
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There was no sign of Ben White in Thursday’s training session, though the reason for his absence remains unclear at this stage.
Arsenal resume their campaign top of the Premier League table, holding a narrow one-point lead over defending champions Manchester City.
With Liverpool faltering, Arteta’s men aim to extend their advantage — but face a tricky test against Marco Silva’s unpredictable Fulham side.
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