Piero Hincapie Set to Return for Arsenal Against Everton

Piero Hincapie is on course to return to Arsenal’s matchday squad against Everton, with the defender taking part in the team’s pre-match walk on Saturday afternoon.

Under the grey north London sky, 21 senior players were involved in the light session before the Premier League clash, a strong indicator of Mikel Arteta’s options. With only 20 places available, one of the three goalkeepers is expected to miss out, leaving every outfield player on show in line to make the squad.

Hincapie’s presence was the headline. The recent absentee moved freely among the defensive group, a welcome sight for a side facing an Everton team that rarely makes life comfortable in either box. His inclusion in the walk strongly suggests he has shaken off his issue in time to be considered.

There were some notable absentees. Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and William Saliba did not take part, as anticipated, their omissions consistent with recent updates. In contrast, academy midfielder Max Dowman was involved again, another small but telling sign of the faith being placed in the youngster around the first team.

Martin Zubimendi also joined the group, easing any lingering doubts over his fitness after an ankle problem. The midfielder had already made the bench against Nottingham Forest and Bayern Munich, so his involvement here simply underlines his readiness for minutes if called upon.

Cristhian Mosquera, still waiting for his first action since returning from injury, walked with the squad as well. For a defender looking to break into a fiercely competitive back line, just being back in the matchday rhythm matters.

Players on the Pre-Match Walk

• 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 of the three goalkeepers will almost certainly give way when the final 20-man squad is confirmed. For Hincapie and Mosquera, though, simply being back in that conversation is the important step, on a day when Arsenal’s depth may well decide how far they can push Everton and, in time, this season’s ambitions.