Piero Hincapié
ARS
Center Back
Overlapping Full Back
Jan 9, 2002 (24)
Left
6'0"
170 lb
Nearing return
Hincapie (undisclosed) has returned to the training pitch and is closing in on a return from his muscular injury, as the defender missed Arsenal's last two league matches and was not called up by Ecuador during the international break while working his way back to full fitness, according to The Standard.
Analysis: Hincapie appears to be trending in the right direction after his muscular issue kept him out of Arsenal's last two league matches. His return would bolster the Gunners' defensive depth at both left back and center back, though Riccardo Calafiori remains ahead of him in the pecking order on the left. Hincapie has logged just 122 minutes across all competitions this season and has yet to make much of a statistical impact beyond a handful of clearances and tackles.
Spotted in practice
Hincapie (muscular) has taken part in Arsenal's recent training sessions despite failing to see action in the last two league contests and the international break due to an ongoing muscle issue, Nathan Ridley of the Mirror reports.
Analysis: Hincapie has stayed on the bench for a couple of club matches but was not called up by Ecuador while he looked to regain full fitness in time for the upcoming EPL clash against Leeds. However, he's still unlikely to earn a starting role behind Riccardo Calafiori and Ezri Konsa at left- and center-back, respectively. Hincapie's return would give the Gunners more defensive depth if he's ready to feature in the near future. He has yet to make significant contributions other than a few clearances and tackles over 122 minutes of play across all competitions this season.
Returns to bench
Hincapie (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Brighton.
Analysis: Hincapie passed his late fitness assessment after coach Mikel Arteta expressed optimism ahead of the final training session following the minor issue that had kept him out of Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Ipswich Town. The Ecuadorian has played just 32 minutes across Arsenal's first four Premier League matches, operating as the backup option at left back and center back behind Riccardo Calafiori and Ezri Konsa, and his return to the bench restores the defensive depth Arteta had been working with before the setback.
Likely to be available
Hincapie (undisclosed) missed Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Ipswich Town after picking up a minor issue in training, but he is likely to be available for Saturday's clash against Brighton, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Yes, we have another session; they are all willing to be part of it, and we have another session to try to make sure they are fit."
Analysis: Hincapie has played just 32 minutes across Arsenal's first four Premier League matches, operating as the backup option at left back and center back behind Riccardo Calafiori and Ezri Konsa, and this minor setback is didn't significantly impact the starting lineup given his limited role so far this season. The Ecuadorian is a late fitness call but is likely to make the squad to face the Seagulls on Saturday.
Gets 23 minutes off bench
Hincapie registered one tackle (zero won) and two clearances in Sunday's 2-1 victory versus Chelsea.
Analysis: Hincapie came off the bench in the second half of Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea, registering one tackle and two clearances across his 23 minutes. The Ecuadorian has now played just 32 minutes across Arsenal's first three Premier League matches, operating as the backup option at left back and centre-back behind Riccardo Calafiori and Ezri Konsa, and his limited appearances reflect a squad hierarchy in which his starting opportunities will depend on injuries or tactical changes in the coming fixtures.
Rejoins squad for preseason
Hincapie has traveled with Arsenal's squad to Girona for the club's preseason training camp following Ecuador's exit in the round of 32 at the World Cup, the club announced.
Analysis: Hincapie impressed defensively in his first season at Arsenal following his move from Bayer Leverkusen, starting 20 of 25 Premier League matches and racking up 88 clearances, 48 tackles and 26 interceptions to go with a goal and two assists. He shared time in the backline rather than claiming an every week starting spot, leaving an opening to push for more consistent minutes this season. Hincapie is expected to build toward full training as the club's preparations continue.
Sent off in final outing
Hincapie picked up a red card and was sent off in the 95th minute of Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Mexico. He registered six crosses (zero accurate) and one corner before his removal.
Analysis: Following Miguel Almiron, Hincapie became the second player of the tournament to be dismissed under the new rule, sent off for covering his mouth towards Mexico forward Santiago Gimenez. It was a harsh way to end what had been a good performance as he had been dependable at the back before his dismissal with three tackles, one interception, one block and six clearances. He ends the tournament without a goal contribution from three shots and three chances created, but leaves with a strong defensive record of 12 tackles, four interceptions, 14 clearances, two blocks and one clean sheet across four games.
Sends three crosses
Hincapie registered three crosses (zero accurate) and one tackle in Thursday's 2-1 victory versus Germany.
Analysis: Hincapie delivered a strong performance on the same day his permanent move to Arsenal was announced, helping limit Germany to just one goal while winning a duel, making two clearances, and sending in two crosses. The defender started all three group stage matches and proved to be a reliable presence for Ecuador, totaling 19 duels won, six aerials, nine tackles, eight clearances, and one clean sheet, showing how well he fits into the back line.
Signs permanently for Arsenal
Hincapie has joined Arsenal on a permanent basis from Bayer Leverkusen after the club activated their option to make the move permanent from July 1, the club announced.
Analysis: Hincapie made 39 appearances across all competitions during his loan spell, becoming an integral part of Arsenal's Premier League title-winning defense, which has now conceded the fewest goals in the league over the last three seasons. Hincapie scored his only goal in a draw at Wolves in February and won the club's Player of the Month award in both February and April, having previously helped Leverkusen win their first ever unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023/24 across 166 appearances for the German club. The Ecuador international, who has earned 54 senior caps and is currently representing his country at the World Cup, now commits his long-term future to Arsenal pending the completion of regulatory processes.
Four crosses in 0-0 draw
Hincapie had two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Curacao.
Analysis: Hincapie helped his team to a defensive clean sheet as his side drew 0-0 with Curacao to pick up their first point in the tournament. The defender also won one of his three tackles, but made five clearances. In total, between the two matches, he has only won two of his eight attempted tackles. In the game, he created two chances, including one completed cross from four attempted crosses.
Difficult task in loss
Hincapie recorded one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Cote D'ivoire.
Analysis: Hincapie faced the toughest assignment among the Ecuador defense, getting dribbled past multiple times on the left flank against Yan Diomande of Cote d'Ivoire. Most of the Cote d'Ivoire attacking pressure was directed toward his side, yet he remained close to contributing to a clean sheet before Amad Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner. Going forward, Hincapie showed some upside attempting crosses, though little came from them. His next match against Curacao, who lost 7-1 to Germany in their opener and are the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup, presents a significantly more favorable matchup.
Set for high involvement
Hincapie will likely play a role as part of Ecuador's back line in his second World Cup, offering consistency and ball recovery skills.
Analysis: Hincapie demonstrated valuable flexibility during the closing months of the season, helping Premier League champions Arsenal from a left-back position. However, his responsibilities with Ecuador are expected to be different, as he projects to occupy a starting spot in central defense, which is a more natural role for him. In that case, he'll form a very strong defensive partnership alongside Willian Pacho. Hincapie consistently provides defensive production through tackles, recoveries and duels won. Additionally, his mobility allows Ecuador to defend aggressively without sacrificing stability. That well-rounded profile makes him one of the safest fantasy options of a squad that could enjoy decent clean sheet chances in the more favorable contests.
Back available against Cherries
Hincapie (undisclosed) returned from injury and is available off bench for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Piero, he's just come back from injury. He's done so well to be in contention to play."
Analysis: Hincapie had been sidelined with a muscle injury at a particularly difficult time given Arsenal's three-trophy push and his World Cup ambitions, making his return to the squad a welcome development. The Ecuadorian figures to start on the bench rather than being thrown straight into the starting lineup given the nature of his comeback, but having him available adds valuable depth to Arsenal's defensive options heading into the final stretch of a massive season.
Injury deemed serious
Hincapie (undisclosed) has suffered a serious injury, but little else has been disclosed, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "Yes, it was [a serious injury]. No, [I don't know how long he is out]."
Analysis: Hincapie will hit the sidelines for an unknown amount of time after undergoing tests on his muscle injury. Unfortunately, this comes at a brutal time, with the club not only competing for three trophies, but the defender's option for the World Cup now at risk if this is truly serious. More is likely to be released in the coming days as they diagnose the injury further, but Riccardo Calafiori will be expected to start at left-back moving forward.
Withdraws from international duty
Hincapie has withdrawn from the Ecuador national team due to an injury, according to Sky Sports.
Analysis: Hincapie is back in England for the rest of the international break after he suffered a slight injury in the Ecuadorian camp, needing medical assessment from his club. Most of this is likely to preserve his health as the end of the league season approaches, not risking any further injury. In most cases, the defender will likely be available in the coming games for the club, just needing to train again.
Supplies assist in win
Hincapie assisted once to go with two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton.
Analysis: Hincapie redirected a cross back across the face of goal Saturday to setup a game winning tap-in in Arsenal's 2-0 home victory versus Everton. In addition to his goal contribution, the defender made one tackle (one win) and one block after entering the fray for the final 16 minutes. Hincapie has managed one goal and two assists across 21 appearances (17 starts) in his first season at Arsenal.
Scores in draw
Hincapie scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 2-2 draw versus Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Hincapie was effective offensively, creating three chances and making three crosses in addition to his goal. He'll likely be among the subs for the North London Derby against Tottenham, but the defender has shown he can be trusted in key moments.
First Arsenal goal involvement
Hincapie had an assist with his lone chance created while crossing seven times (one accurate) and making three tackles (winning two) during Thursday's 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Analysis: Hincapie set up Noni Madueke in the 61st minute while leading Arsenal with seven crosses. The assist was the first goal involvement since joining Arsenal for Hincapie who has combined for eight crosses, five tackles and eight clearances over his last three appearances.
Starting Sunday
Hincapie (thigh) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Manchester United.
Analysis: Hincapie is back with the team and starting immediately, with the defender finding a spot at left-back. This is solid news as they continue without Ricardo Calafiori, earning back their second option on the left of defense, a spot he should remain in until Calafiori works back to fitness.
Likely late call for Sunday
Hincapie (thigh) is uncertain for Sunday's game against Manchester United, manager Mikel Arteta told media during Friday's pre-match press conference. "We still have another training session," Arteta said at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, "so we'll see tomorrow, after that, to assess everybody and make a decision, first of all in the squad."
Analysis: Hincapie has been providing cover at both left-back and center-back when healthy, but a thigh injury has sidelined him for the last three matches. A decision on his availability will be made closer to Sunday's matchup, but his involvement in Saturday's training will provide a strong clue on whether he'll be available or not.
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