Piero Hincapie (Getty Images)

Why Hincapie will likely miss Arsenal’s next match

Originally posted on Just Arsenal | By Admin Martin | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 5:00 AM ET

Piero Hincapie is eager to make his mark at Arsenal following his late arrival in the transfer window. His signing came just before the market closed, which meant he did not have the opportunity to train with his new club before joining the Ecuadorian national team for the international break.

At only 23 years of age, Hincapie has already established himself as an essential figure for his country. With 46 international caps, he has demonstrated consistency and reliability, qualities that underline his importance to Ecuador’s defensive structure. This level of experience at such a young age also suggests that he could one day become one of the most capped players in his nation’s history.

Arsenal’s Expectations After the Break

Looking ahead, Hincapie will be eager to contribute to Arsenal’s ambitions in the Premier League. One of his first targets will be to feature in the squad when the team faces Nottingham Forest after the international break. This fixture carries weight for the Gunners, as they will be aiming to recover quickly from their recent defeat to Liverpool. That loss has created an opportunity for Liverpool to pull clear in the standings, a gap Arsenal will be determined to close.

The prospect of having Hincapie available is appealing for the Gunners, who will want to integrate their new signing swiftly. However, the circumstances surrounding his international commitments may complicate his immediate involvement.

Travel Challenges and Match Readiness

According to Star Sports, Hincapie may struggle to be ready in time for the Nottingham Forest match. Ecuador’s final international fixture takes place in the early hours of Wednesday, due to the significant time difference. Should Hincapie return to England later that same day, he would only have his first training session with Arsenal on Thursday, leaving little time to prepare for a Saturday league match.

Such a schedule would be demanding for any player, particularly one attempting to settle into a new environment. Consequently, it seems unrealistic to expect him to be fully match-ready for that encounter. Nonetheless, Arsenal recognise that Hincapie has a long season ahead, and rushing his debut could be counterproductive.

The emphasis will therefore be on managing his integration sensibly, ensuring he adapts to the team’s tactical framework and builds familiarity with his new teammates. While supporters may be eager to see him in action, his long-term contribution is expected to be significant, and patience now could reap rewards later in the campaign.

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This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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