Hincapie and Zubimendi injured in post-match training session

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 OCTOBER 2026 —

Arsenal’s Hincapie and Zubimendi suffer serious injuries in post-match training, sidelining key substitutes ahead of Champions League clash

The injuries disrupt Arsenal’s squad depth ahead of a critical Champions League fixture, coming just days after the club secured a hard-fought win in the Premier League. Hincapie, 24, was carried off the pitch by goalkeeper Illan Meslier during the session, while Zubimendi, 27, was also reported injured. Both players had limited playing time in the Leeds match—Hincapie coming on late as a substitute, while Zubimendi remained on the bench.

Their absence could force Arsenal to adjust their rotation for the Lille game, where they seek to build on their recent momentum.

The injuries occurred during a planned training session for players who did not feature prominently in the Leeds match or did not play the full 90 minutes. Arteta explained that the session was designed to ensure all squad members maintained fitness and rhythm, particularly given the club’s demanding fixture schedule.

“We had a training session planned after the match for everyone that didn’t get enough minutes,” Arteta said in a press conference ahead of the Lille match. “In two unfortunate actions, we lost two players.”

Hincapie’s injury was described by Arteta as more serious than Zubimendi’s, though both will undergo further scans to assess the extent of their damage. The manager acknowledged the unusual nature of the incidents, stating that such injuries had never occurred in the seven years he had managed the club. “It’s never happened in seven years I’ve been here,” he said. “It could happen in the training session the next day.

It’s happened now, and hopefully it doesn’t happen again.”

The manner in which Hincapie was carried off the pitch—by Meslier rather than medical staff—also drew Arteta’s disapproval. “That’s something else, not to discuss here,” he said, leaving the specifics unaddressed. The incident underscores the high-risk nature of post-match training, where players often push themselves beyond their match-day exertion.

Hincapie and Zubimendi have been key rotational players for Arsenal this season. Hincapie, who made three Premier League appearances off the bench, started Arsenal’s recent Champions League victory over Napoli in September, while Zubimendi has also largely featured as a substitute, with five Premier League appearances from the bench.

Their injuries could force Arsenal to rely more heavily on other squad members, including young talents like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, or even call upon deeper bench options.

The timing of the injuries is particularly problematic as Arsenal prepares for the Lille match, where they aim to capitalize on their recent form. The club’s ability to maintain depth in both the Premier League and Champions League will be tested, especially with the upcoming international break and the return of key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard from national team duties.

Arteta’s comment that the injuries were “unfortunate” reflects the broader challenge of managing a squad with limited rest days between high-stakes fixtures.

For now, Arsenal’s focus remains on Tuesday’s Champions League match, with the medical team working to provide updates on Hincapie and Zubimendi’s recovery. The club has not yet confirmed whether either player will be available for the Lille game, leaving fans and analysts to speculate on potential line-up adjustments.

The incident serves as a reminder of the physical toll of modern football, where even substitute players are expected to maintain peak fitness in an era of relentless competition.

Related: Arsenal · Mikel Arteta