Arsenal given major injury boost as pre-Everton team news emerges

Patience could be Arsenal’s most valuable weapon when Everton visit the Emirates.

David Moyes’ side have drawn every Premier League away game they have played this season, showing an ability to frustrate opponents even without collecting a victory.

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

Arsenal know how awkward that can become, and their last home meeting with Everton remained goalless until the closing stages before they eventually secured a 2-0 win in March.

There is encouragement for the champions in Everton’s latest result, a 2-0 defeat by Chelsea which ended the visitors’ unbeaten league start.

Arteta’s players will still need to move the ball with purpose and make their pressure count.

That makes the options available to Arteta especially important, with changes from the bench potentially helping Arsenal find a different rhythm.

Piero Hincapié ready for Arsenal return as Mikel Arteta confirms Everton boost

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Piero Hincapie is back among those options after the manager confirmed he is available to face the Toffees.

The Ecuador international has returned to training following an ankle injury and can now compete for a place in the squad. His recovery gives Arsenal another defender to call upon after a busy week that included Wednesday’s Champions League draw in Munich.

Arteta was asked whether Riccardo Calafiori could cope with a third consecutive start, alongside a question about Hincapie’s fitness.

Hincapie’s problem arose during a session on the Emirates pitch after the recent victory over Leeds United.

Martin Zubimendi was also hurt during that workout. He worked separately from his teammates earlier in the week and was still unavailable when Arsenal travelled to Munich for the Champions League game.

Friday’s involvement has now brought him back into contention, giving Arteta more flexibility on the left side of his defence.

Hincapie can operate centrally or at left-back, which is useful while William Saliba remains unavailable with a back injury.

REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura

Having Hincapie available could allow Arsenal to adjust during the match if Calafiori needs replacing or the defensive setup requires a change.

There are still concerns elsewhere, with Bukayo Saka potentially ruled out for weeks after the thigh problem he suffered against Bayern.

Christos Tzolis is also absent, limiting Arsenal’s attacking choices and increasing the importance of finding solutions throughout the squad.