Hincapie and Zubimendi injured in post-match training session

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the injuries of defenders Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi, describing the situation as "far from ideal" following the Gunners' 2-1 victory against Leeds in the Premier League.

A training session was conducted after the match at Emirates Stadium specifically for players who had limited involvement or were not fielded in the full 90 minutes against Leeds.

During the session, Ecuadorian defender Hincapie sustained an injury and was carried off by goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Arteta later confirmed that Spanish midfielder Zubimendi also incurred an injury during the same session.

Hincapie, at 24 years of age, made his entrance into the match against Leeds in the 82nd minute, while 27-year-old Zubimendi served as an unused substitute.

"We had a training session planned after the match for everyone that didn't get enough minutes, and in two unfortunate actions we lost two players," Arteta stated in a news conference held prior to Tuesday's Champions League match against Lille.

"They will undergo further scans to determine the extent of their injuries, and we will subsequently have an estimated time frame for their recovery."

When asked by media representatives about potential measures to prevent the injuries, Arteta lightheartedly remarked that the players should have abstained from training.

"Never train and they don't get injured. The consequence of that is when you ask them to play they have no rhythm and no impact in the game," he added.

"It's never happened in seven years I've been here. It could happen in the training session the next day.

"It's happened now and hopefully it doesn't happen again, but what can you do? If I had a crystal ball I would just say 'guys, get in the jacuzzi and I will see you tomorrow.'"

Hincapie has featured in three Premier League matches this season, coming off the bench on each occasion but had started for Arsenal in their Champions League victory against Napoli last month. Zubimendi has also primarily been utilized as a substitute, playing five Premier League matches from the bench.

How did the injuries happen?

Arsenal had organized a training session for players who did not play a full game or who had limited involvement in the 2-1 victory to facilitate a recovery day on Sunday, followed by training on Monday.

Arteta routinely arranges small-sided games for players who have not played the full match, which is the context in which both Hincapie and Zubimendi suffered their injuries.

The manager implements this strategy to ensure that all players maintain consistent output as they manage a demanding fixture schedule.

Arteta, emphasizing the intention to keep "everybody in the best rhythm," noted that Hincapie's ankle injury is more severe than Zubimendi's.

Notably, substitute goalkeeper Meslier was observed carrying Hincapie off the pitch, despite the presence of staff members. This incident appeared to have left Arteta dissatisfied.