Arsenal are in pole position to win this season’s Premier League, sitting nine points clear of Manchester City, with seven games left. Mikel Arteta’s team recently lost 2-0 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. Despite that loss, Arsenal are still in the hunt for a potential treble-winning season. Next up for the Gunners is an FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton, but Arteta could be without key defender Piero Hincapie, who has left the Ecuador international camp early, and will immediately return to Arsenal for further tests.
Arsenal Continue Hunt for Premier League Trophy
Hincapie Returns to Arsenal Early
On September 1, 2025, Piero Hincapie joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen. The Ecuadorian 23-year-old progressed quickly and went on to make more than 100 appearances for Leverkusen, playing a vital role for them in 2023/24 when they won the Bundesliga title.
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Since moving to Arsenal, Hincapie has quickly become a vital cog for the Gunners, where he has played centre back and left back.
For Ecuador, Hincapie has made 51 appearances, but as reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Arsenal man, described by Arteta as a “Warrior,” will be leaving the Ecuador camp early, following medical tests. He will return to Arsenal immediately to be assessed by the Gunners staff this week.
The Qualities of Piero Hincapie
Hincapie has already shown the versatility he brings to the Arsenal squad. Not only can he play in different positions, and play to a high standard in those positions.
He revels in 1v1 situations and is capable of dominating talented attacking players. He times his tackles well and brings a reliability and calmness to the Arsenal defence.
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He’s comfortable with the ball at his feet and is a precise passer, adding another layer to his game. Hincapie is fast becoming a defensive linchpin for Arteta.
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SmartFrame – SportImage
