Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that midfielder Martin Zubimendi is close to returning from an ankle injury, while defender Piero Hincapié remains unavailable ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
The two players suffered ankle problems during a post-match training session following Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Leeds United on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
Both subsequently missed Arsenal’s Champions League meeting with Lille, leaving Arteta with fewer options during a demanding period of domestic and European fixtures.
According to Reuters, Arteta said on Friday that Zubimendi was nearing a return, but Hincapié was still recovering.
The manager’s comments offer encouragement about Zubimendi’s fitness, although Arsenal have not confirmed that he will feature against Forest.
How the two players suffered their injuries
The unusual circumstances surrounding the injuries have added to Arsenal’s frustration.
Both players were hurt during a post-match session intended to maintain the fitness of squad members who had played limited minutes or remained unused against Leeds.
Hincapié had appeared as a late substitute, while Zubimendi did not feature in the match.
The Ecuadorian defender suffered an ankle injury and was helped from the pitch. Zubimendi also sustained an ankle problem during the session.
As The Guardian reported on 12 October, Arteta expressed frustration that two players had been injured after the match rather than during competitive action.
The Arsenal manager explained that such training sessions form part of the club’s preparation and recovery programme.
He indicated at the time that Hincapié’s injury appeared more serious.
Both players were subsequently ruled out of the Champions League fixture against Lille.
Zubimendi moves closer to availability
Friday’s update suggests that Zubimendi has made progress in his recovery.
The Spanish midfielder could provide Arteta with another option as Arsenal prepare for their return to Premier League action.
His availability would be useful during a period when the manager must balance domestic matches with European commitments.
However, being close to recovery does not guarantee a place in the starting line-up.
Arsenal must still assess whether Zubimendi is fit enough to return to competitive football.
The final decision will depend on his condition and the coaching staff’s assessment before Sunday’s match.
Arteta has not confirmed whether the midfielder will start, appear among the substitutes, or remain unavailable.
Hincapié remains sidelined
Hincapié’s recovery is taking longer, and he is not expected to feature against Nottingham Forest.
The defender’s continued absence limits Arsenal’s options at the back, particularly while other members of the squad are also working towards full fitness.
Hincapié has provided cover in defensive positions, making his absence another consideration for Arteta when selecting his team.
The manager has not announced a definite return date for the Ecuador international.
The club will need to monitor his recovery before determining when he can resume full training and match action.
There is no confirmed basis for predicting the precise number of games he will miss.
Other Arsenal injuries remain a concern
Arsenal have also been managing fitness problems involving William Saliba and Christos Tzolis.
Saliba has resumed individual training as he continues recovering from a back injury, while Tzolis has been sidelined with a hamstring problem.
According to RTÉ Sport, Arteta acknowledged the difficulties caused by the injuries following the Leeds match.
The return of a player to individual training is an encouraging development, but it does not automatically mean that the player is ready for competitive football.
Arsenal must consider each player’s fitness separately before making decisions about matchday availability.
The situation also underlines the importance of squad depth as the club moves through a busy run of fixtures.
Arsenal prepare for Nottingham Forest trip
Arsenal are scheduled to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, 18 October.
The match provides another opportunity for Arteta’s side to build on their victory over Leeds and maintain their Premier League momentum.
However, the manager must decide how best to use the players available while avoiding unnecessary risks with those recovering from injury.
Zubimendi’s potential return would offer additional flexibility in midfield, while Hincapié’s absence means Arsenal may need to rely on other defensive options.
No final starting line-up has been announced.
Final fitness decisions still to come
The latest update presents different recovery prospects for Arsenal’s two injured players.
Zubimendi is progressing and could be available for the Nottingham Forest match, while Hincapié remains sidelined without a confirmed return date.
The club’s final team selection will provide a clearer indication of Zubimendi’s immediate availability.
Until then, it would be premature to describe the midfielder as fully cleared or suggest that Hincapié is ready to return.
For Arsenal, the immediate priority is to prepare for Sunday’s match while allowing injured players the time needed to recover.
