Arsenal’s defensive woes have taken another hit with Piero Hincapie’s recent injury, but Mikel Arteta can breathe a sigh of relief knowing he has a ready-made replacement in Riccardo Calafiori. The Gunners confirmed the blow to Hincapie following their clash with Liverpool, but with Calafiori on the verge of a return, the north London club is well-equipped to navigate the upcoming fixtures without skipping a beat.
Hincapie, the 24-year-old Ecuadorian defender on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, has been a mainstay in Arsenal’s backline since joining in the summer. He started the last 10 Premier League matches, providing stability and versatility at left-back and center-back. However, during Thursday night’s encounter with Liverpool, Hincapie was forced off shortly before the hour mark after clutching the back of his right leg. Initial reports suggest a potential hamstring issue, with tightness felt during the second half escalating after a sprint. Scans are underway, but fears of a prolonged absence loom, especially with a packed schedule ahead.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Arteta, as Arsenal gear up for an FA Cup clash against Portsmouth on Sunday, followed by a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Wednesday. Then comes a trip to Nottingham Forest on January 17, a Champions League showdown with Inter Milan on January 20, and a high-stakes Premier League battle against Manchester United on January 25. Defensive depth has already been tested this season, with stars like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, and Ben White all sidelined at various points due to injuries.
But here’s the silver lining: confirmation from Arteta himself that Calafiori is “very close” to making his comeback. The Italian defender, who suffered a “very awkward” injury ahead of the Brighton match on December 27, has been progressing well in rehab. Speaking at his pre-match press conference before facing Liverpool, Arteta revealed: “They’re out again. I think pretty soon (they will return). They have to go through the last stage of the rehab, and if everything goes well, hopefully soon they will be available for selection.”
Calafiori, signed from Bologna in a high-profile move, brings the perfect blend of defensive solidity, ball-playing ability, and tactical flexibility that made Hincapie such a valuable asset. At 23, he’s already proven his mettle in Serie A and with the Italian national team, offering Arteta a like-for-like replacement who can slot seamlessly into the left-back role or even partner Gabriel in central defense. His return couldn’t come at a better time, providing the experience and composure that Arsenal need during this intense period.
Of course, Arteta isn’t short on alternatives. Young academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly, 19, stepped in against Liverpool and has shown promise at left-back after a breakout 2024/25 season. While he appeared a tad rusty in that outing, his potential is undeniable, and more minutes could see him sharpen up quickly. Another option involves shifting Jurrien Timber to left-back, allowing Ben White to reclaim his spot on the right flank. This tactical tweak has worked in the past, highlighting Arteta’s adaptability.
Despite the fresh injury setback, Arsenal’s squad depth—bolstered by Calafiori’s imminent return—ensures they’re far from crisis mode. Hincapie’s absence is a blow, but with a “perfect” replacement confirmed and ready to step up, the Gunners remain firmly in the hunt across all competitions. Fans will be hoping for positive scan results on Hincapie, but in the meantime, Arteta’s options keep the team’s defensive fortress intact.