The double setback comes as Arsenal prepare for their first home match of this season’s Champions League campaign. The Gunners began their European schedule with a 1-0 victory away to Napoli and are aiming to make it two wins from two.
Arteta explained that the injuries occurred during a planned training session, leaving the club needing further medical assessments before they can establish the likely recovery periods.
“It happened during a training session we had planned. There were two very unfortunate incidents and we lost two players. We need to assess them. They are having further scans to see where they stand,” the Arsenal manager said.
Asked about the seriousness of the problems, Arteta confirmed that neither player would be available against Lille and suggested Hincapié’s injury appeared more concerning.
“They are both going to miss tomorrow’s match for sure. Tomorrow we will know more. Piero’s one looks a little bit more serious,” he said.
The timing is frustrating for Arsenal, who have made a strong start to the season and are managing a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures. Arteta admitted the situation was far from ideal, particularly given that the injuries occurred in training rather than during a match.
William Saliba was also completing separate work as he continues his recovery from a back problem. His availability will be another consideration for Arsenal’s defensive selection, although the immediate concern is the absence of Hincapié and Zubimendi.
Gabriel Magalhães joined Arteta at the press conference and spoke warmly about the influence of the manager, who recently signed a new contract.
“Every week I say thank you to Mikel for how he has pushed me. He is the boss and we are grateful to have him here,” Gabriel said.
The Brazilian centre-back also praised the way new signing Ezri Konsa has adapted to life at Arsenal.
“Since he arrived at Arsenal, he has adapted really quickly. I really enjoy playing with him. Of course, we have the best centre-backs at Arsenal, so we want to raise the level,” Gabriel said.
Gabriel also reflected on missing a penalty in the Champions League final, admitting that the disappointment had been difficult but that he had learned from the experience.
“If I have another penalty, I am going to be there to take it,” he said, adding that his team-mates had helped him through the disappointment.
Arsenal will now have to manage the Lille match without two players who had been involved in preparations. Arteta expects to learn more from the scans, but for Tuesday the absences are already confirmed.