Piero Hincapie Set to Return for Arsenal vs Everton

Piero Hincapie is on course to return to Arsenal’s matchday squad against Everton on Saturday, after joining his teammates for the traditional pre-match walk.

Under Mikel Arteta, that stroll has become a quiet indicator of availability. On this occasion, 21 players took part. With only 20 spots permitted in a Premier League squad, it leaves one name likely to miss out – almost certainly a goalkeeper, given three were present.

Hincapie back in the frame

The headline sighting was Hincapie. The defender, recently absent, moved with the group and now looks ready to be involved again. For an Arsenal side juggling domestic and European demands, having another left-sided option in defence is no small boost.

He was not alone in stepping back into the fold.

Martin Zubimendi, who has been managing an ankle problem, also walked with the squad. His presence is less of a surprise; he has already made the bench against Nottingham Forest and Bayern Munich, but this is another sign he remains firmly in Arteta’s plans.

Cristhian Mosquera, yet to play since his own injury, was there as well, edging closer to his first minutes back.

Notable absentees, youthful inclusion

Three names were missing, and none of them came as a shock. Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and William Saliba did not take part in the walk, in line with expectations over their current situations.

In contrast, Max Dowman did make the cut. The youngster’s inclusion among senior stars on matchday morning underlines how highly he is regarded inside the club, and it raises the prospect of another taste of first-team involvement.

The group in full

The 21 players involved on the pre-match walk were:

• 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

With only one of those players expected to miss out on the final squad, Arsenal head into the Everton clash with a deep, well-stocked bench and the welcome sight of Hincapie back in the frame.