7M - Arsenal Face Mounting Injury Concerns as Hincapie and Zubimendi Exit International Duty

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces increased selection pressure after defenders Piero Hincapie and midfielder Martin Zubimendi withdrew from international squads due to injury during the March break.

The north London club now has ten players back for medical evaluation. Hincapie departed Ecuadors camp Sunday after featuring 72 minutes in their 1-1 friendly draw with Morocco. Ecuadorian officials confirmed the center back would return to Arsenal to begin rehabilitation following clinical assessment.

Spain subsequently announced Zubimendis withdrawal ahead of their match versus Egypt. The midfielder entered as a substitute for 14 minutes during Spains 3-0 victory over Serbia on Friday. Spanish federation officials cited right knee discomfort as the reason stating the decision prioritizes player welfare and risk prevention.

Hincapie marks the fourth Arsenal defender to exit international duty. Midfield concerns also deepen with Zubimendi joining Declan Rice who left Englands squad Saturday alongside teammates Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke.

Arsenal next host Southampton in the FA Cup quarterfinal this Saturday then travel to face Sporting CP in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg on April 7.