Mikel Arteta reveals the real reason why Piero Hincapie didn’t start for Arsenal against Bayern Munich

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Many Arsenal fans were surprised to see Cristhian Mosquera starting against Bayern Munich in place of Piero Hincapie.

It was confirmed before the game that Gabriel Magalhaes will be out of action for a few weeks because of an adductor injury, so the left-centre-half position was up for grabs.

Hincapie started against Tottenham and was brilliant in that game. That is why he was expected to continue next to William Saliba at the back.

However, Mikel Arteta chose Mosquera instead, and the Arsenal manager has explained why.

Why Piero Hincapie was benched for Arsenal vs Bayern Munich

Arsenal have the best defence in the world.

The Gunners’ first choice back four of Jurrien Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori are all incredible, but their back-ups aren’t bad either.

Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly would walk into most teams in the world.

Against Bayern on Wednesday, Arteta chose Mosquera at left-centre-half, and he impressed everyone with his magnificent performance.

That raised a few concerns over Hincapie, who was just as good against Spurs in the previous fixture. But Arteta has eased those worries.

When asked about the Ecuadorian not playing against Bayern, he said, as per Arsenal.com: “With Piero, we need to understand where he’s coming from.

“He came from Ecuador after playing two 90s in big trouble. He played the derby, the first start that he had in the Premier League, and he finished the game very, very tired.”

READ MORE: Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso shares what he honestly thinks about Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie

Mikel Arteta has a big headache ahead of Chelsea vs Arsenal

This was viewed as a very tough week for Arsenal because of fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

The Gunners have won two of those games quite comfortably, and the focus now is on the London Derby against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

Arteta will have a tough time deciding who to start next to Saliba in defence – Mosquera or Hincapie.

Both players produced top-class performances against Tottenham and Bayern respectively, so it would be unfair to drop either of them.

However, one of Mosquera and Hincapie will have to settle for a spot on the bench, and we think it will be the Spaniard despite his brilliant display on Wednesday night.