Hincapie Joins Arsenal Squad as Arteta Considers Everton Match
The clues came early on Saturday, long before a ball was kicked at the Emirates. Arsenal’s players filed out for their traditional pre-match walk, and among the 21 faces was one that will interest supporters most: Piero Hincapie.
The defender, recently sidelined, moved with the group and looked comfortable, a strong indication he is in contention to make the matchday squad against Everton. With Premier League benches capped at nine substitutes, only one of those 21 will miss out on the final 20-man list.
Three keepers, one likely cut
David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Illan Meslier all took part in the walk. Arteta typically names two goalkeepers in his league squads, so the numbers point to one of that trio stepping aside once the teams are confirmed.
For the outfield players, the picture is far clearer. If you walked, you’re in the frame.
Hincapie’s presence is the headline, given his recent absence, but he was not the only returning name easing back into the rhythm of a matchday.
Injury returners step back into view
Martin Zubimendi, who has been managing an ankle problem, was again with the group. That tallies with his recent involvement on the bench against Nottingham Forest and Bayern Munich and suggests his workload is being built carefully rather than rushed.
Cristhian Mosquera also joined the walk as he waits for his first minutes since injury. The defender has been edging back and now appears ready to be involved once Arteta calls on him.
At the other end of the spectrum, a younger face continues to stay close to the senior setup. Max Dowman was included in the morning group, another sign of the club’s intent to keep him around the first-team environment when possible.
Notable absentees
There were, as expected, some high-profile omissions. Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and William Saliba did not take part in the walk. Their absence was anticipated and fits with the club’s recent handling of their respective issues and workloads.
The rest of the squad list underlines the depth at Arteta’s disposal for the visit of Everton:
- Goalkeepers David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Illan Meslier
- Defenders Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Piero Hincapie, Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel Magalhaes
- Midfielders Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Bruno Guimaraes
- Forwards Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman
One goalkeeper will ultimately watch from the stands. Everyone else on that walk has every reason to expect their name on the team sheet when Everton arrive.
