Arsenal "warrior" could now make first PL start vs Tottenham after double injury blow
Arsenal have been handed a double injury blow ahead of the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium next weekend.
The Gunners have had several injuries in the forward department in the early months of the season.
They were without Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke against Sunderland earlier this month.
Gyokeres, Martinelli, Madueke and Havertz could return for the north London derby, but the Gunners have now suffered a double defensive injury blow.
Riccardo Calafiori trained separately from Italy’s main group due to a hip problem this week. He has returned to London Colney to speed up his recovery.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Magalhaes sustained a groin injury playing for Brazil against Senegal yesterday. He appeared in pain before his 64th-minute substitution.
Calafiori’s concern appears less severe than Gabriel’s, but as things stand, the duo are doubtful to face Tottenham in the north London derby on November 23.
If one of them is sidelined, it could pave the way for Piero Hincapie to finally make his full Premier League debut. He has managed two substitute league appearances so far.
The Ecuadorian, described as a ‘warrior‘ by manager Mikel Arteta, recently got the nod to start over Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back in the Champions League against Slavia Prague.
Hincapie was brilliant in his maiden European start for Arsenal. He won 100 percent of his duels (8/8) and tackles (2/2) and drew three fouls from the opposition.
Arteta obviously values the £44 million-rated star highly. With Hincapie up to full speed after a groin injury, he could now make his maiden league start for Arsenal.
Calafiori’s issue has been reported to be a minor one, but Gabriel faces a race against time. He could be out for one to three weeks with a grade one groin injury.
We won’t be surprised if Hincapie gets the nod alongside William Saliba in central defence when the Gunners host arch-rivals Spurs at the Emirates on November 23.
Cristhian Mosquera has been the immediate backup in the league, but Hincapie being left-footed would provide a natural replacement for Gabriel in the left centre-back role.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com (as of Nov. 16 2025).
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