Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta don receive another festive wahala as Gunners dey hit by two more injuries. Dem secure hard-fought 1-0 win over Everton recently, but e come with high physical cost for first-team squad.
Even though dem manage Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie against Crystal Palace on penalties, another player look like e suffer knee injury.
Arsenal Injury News: Hincapie and Martinelli Join List of Absentees
Piero Hincapie and Gabriel Martinelli don join Arsenal’s long injury list following top-flight fixtures. Hincapie pick shoulder problem during Everton win and e no dey for matchday squad against Palace. Martinelli leave pitch in second half of Tuesday’s game after heavy knock to knee. Arteta confirm say Brazilian try play through pain but e no fit continue.
“Martinelli na more knock, and e no dey comfortable to carry on after second half,” Arteta talk after game. “With Piero, na different thing because e pick injury against Everton.”
Hincapie absence force tactical reshuffle, with Riccardo Calafiori move central defense side by side William Saliba.
How Damaging Could Hincapie’s Injury Be?
Loss of Hincapie dey particularly bad as e join Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White, and Cristhian Mosquera on treatment table. This defensive crisis leave Arteta with very few senior options, e even make dem include 16-year-old Marli Salmon as bench cover.
Return of Kai Havertz to training go give attacking unit boost, but shortage of specialist defenders still dey big concern for coaching staff. Arsenal must find internal solutions and hope for good luck through December and New Year to maintain defensive stability.
