Piero Hincapié is back on Arsenal’s training pitch, bringing his next appearance closer. Ecuador’s defender has made progress after a muscular problem interrupted his early season.

However, Saturday’s visit of Leeds United still depends on Mikel Arteta’s selection and the player’s condition. The London club faces a decision about his involvement. For La Tri supporters, the encouraging news raises a sensible question: how many minutes can he handle?
Training return brings encouragement before Saturday
Images from Arsenal’s Sobha Realty Training Centre show Hincapié working on the grass again. Meanwhile, Thursday’s photographs also captured him arriving at the club’s facilities in high spirits.
The Ecuador defender remained in England during the international break to continue his recovery. His muscular problem had prevented him from joining Ecuador’s squad for the Asian tour.
According to The Standard’s injury report, he is closing in on a return. However, training footage alone cannot establish whether Arteta will start him against Leeds. As of Thursday’s reporting, Arsenal had not announced a definitive clearance or confirmed his selection. Saturday could offer an opening.
Injury interrupts a limited run of minutes
Piero Hincapié has had few chances to build his playing rhythm. Moreover, availability and selection have each limited his opportunities in the Premier League.
PRIMICIAS reported that he remained an unused substitute during Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton. Consequently, Arsenal needed a response after the international break.
Meanwhile, a place on the bench never guarantees time on the pitch. Hincapié now needs to turn his training progress into regular involvement when Arteta considers him ready.
Building up to the weekend 💪 Check out our training preparations as we return ahead of our Leeds clash 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 8, 2026
Calafiori keeps the competition demanding
Recovery also brings Hincapié back into a contest for the left-back position. Ecuavisa identifies Riccardo Calafiori as Arteta’s preferred option during the opening league fixtures.
However, Hincapié has already shown he can handle a starting assignment this season. He completed 90 minutes in Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League victory against Napoli.

That appearance offers a more useful reference than speculation about an automatic starting place. Nevertheless, Arteta must weigh current fitness alongside the defensive combination he wants against Leeds.
Piero Hincapié faces a possible Leeds return
Next, Arsenal hosts Leeds at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, October 10. Kickoff is scheduled for 06:30 in mainland Ecuador, making this an early match for La Tri followers.
Meanwhile, Arsenal injury news includes progress from Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera. Consequently, their returns could increase Arteta’s defensive choices beyond Hincapié alone.
Therefore, the squad announcement will provide the next indication of his role. Arsenal vs Leeds remains a possible comeback opportunity, rather than a confirmed appearance. Any minutes would give supporters a clearer view of his competitive condition.
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