"Never a good sign": Arteta provides injury update on 24yo Arsenal star ahead of Chelsea game

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update on defender Piero Hincapie ahead of the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea on the road.

The Gunners returned to winning ways on Sunday with a 4-1 victory over Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round at Fratton Park.

Hincapie was absent, having picked up a ‘minor groin injury‘ during the goalless Premier League draw against Liverpool in midweek.

When asked for an update after yesterday’s win, Arteta said that it is ‘never a good sign’ after Hincapie was forced to come off.

The Spaniard added that the 24-year-old’s medical tests will arrive tomorrow [today] and hopefully, he won’t be out for long.

He told Arsenal.com: “Probably tomorrow we’ll know a little bit more where he’s at. Obviously he had to come off [against Liverpool] which is never a good sign, but hopefully it’s not too much [time out].”

Arsenal progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in three seasons. They will know their next opponents this evening.

Meanwhile, the club’s immediate focus will shift to the first leg of the League Cup semi-final against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

The Gunners travel to west London on Wednesday night. Arteta is expected to make several changes from the victory over Pompey.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the Cup goalkeeper. It is left to be seen whether he gets the nod over David Raya to face his former employers.

Myles Lewis-Skelly looks likely to retain his left-back spot, with Riccardo Calafiori yet to fully recover from a muscle injury last month.

Gabriel Magalhaes will obviously continue in the heart of the defence, while Gabriel Martinelli could keep his place on the left wing.

Arteta is known for rewarding strong displays. Martinelli could start over Leandro Trossard on the left wing after his maiden hat-trick.

There could be changes elsewhere. Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres are poised to return.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their previous eight meetings against Chelsea, but there have been three draws in the last five games between the London rivals.

It promises to be another closely-fought affair on Wednesday. The Gunners need to turn up with a good showing before the return leg on February 3.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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