Arteta provides injury updates on Gabriel & Hincapie ahead of West Ham clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a double injury update ahead of the Premier League clash against West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.

The Gunners have picked up 13 points from their opening six league matches. They secured a sublime 2-1 comeback win over Newcastle United on the road last weekend.

Gabriel Magalhaes scored a late stoppage-time winner. The 27-year-old also started the midweek 2-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos, but was substituted with a possible knock.

Speaking in today’s press conference, Arteta said that the Brazil international will be assessed after today’s training session, but added that there is nothing much to worry about.

He told reporters (via football.london): “Yes, we’ll have to wait and see after training. But we weren’t too concerned about him.”

Piero Hincapie has been sidelined with a groin injury for the past few games. When asked for an update, the manager said that he will be available after the international break.

Arteta added: “He will be available after the international break. We’re trying to do everything as fast as possible but this comes too fast.”

The Gunners have closed the gap to leaders Liverpool to two points after a dramatic win at St James’ Park. The Reds suffered a late stoppage-time defeat at Crystal Palace on the same weekend.

Arsenal can now temporarily climb to the top of the standings by beating the Hammers. In doing so, they can pile the pressure on Liverpool, who face Chelsea on the road later on Saturday.

Despite the good form, Arteta’s side will need to play at their best to win the London derby. West Ham have surprisingly won in their last two trips to the Emirates, including a 1-0 victory last term.

Arsenal squandered plenty of big scoring chances in both of those derbies at home, and they must capitalise on their clear-cut scoring opportunities tomorrow.

With a new head coach in Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham, they should be better defensively organised compared to their time under former manager Graham Potter.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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