ARSENAL GET UNEXPECTED PIERO HINCAPIÉ BOOST AFTER ECUADOR DECISION
Arsenal have received an unexpected boost during the international break after Piero Hincapié was left out of Ecuador’s latest squad.
The defender was expected to be available for Ecuador’s upcoming fixtures but has been omitted by new head coach Marcelo Gallardo.
Hincapié has struggled for consistent involvement since joining Arsenal, making just one start so far this season.
His situation has been complicated by an injury that forced him to miss matches after his appearance against Napoli.
Although he returned to the Arsenal matchday squad for the recent defeat to Brighton, he remained an unused substitute.
Ecuador’s decision therefore gives Hincapié additional time to recover at club level.
That could prove important for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal have already experienced defensive problems during the opening weeks of the campaign, with several players dealing with fitness issues.
Hincapié’s availability could become particularly valuable once Arsenal return to action against Leeds United on October 10.
The 24-year-old arrived at Arsenal with a reputation as a versatile defender capable of operating centrally or at left-back.
However, his first weeks at the club have not gone according to plan.
The international break now offers him an opportunity to focus entirely on recovery.
For Arsenal, getting Hincapié fully fit could provide another defensive option at a time when Arteta will need depth across a demanding campaign.