‘Aggressive’ player could suddenly start for Arsenal now after concerning injury update

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Injuries are once again troubling Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.

The Gunners were viewed as the favourites to win the Premier League in the 2024/25 season, but a combination of fitness issues and terrible refereeing decisions destroyed their chances.

Arsenal had so many injuries last season, and things haven’t been too different this time around – other than the fact that they have the squad to cope with such problems.

Now, ahead of the game against Crystal Palace, Arsenal have another injury scare – Gabriel Magalhaes.

Piero Hincapie could make his full Arsenal debut amid Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury

If Mikel Arteta could’ve sought one wish at the start of the season, we’re sure he would have asked for a campaign without injuries.

However, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke are all out injured at the moment, which is a big shame.

On Friday, Arteta revealed that Gabriel has an issue as well, and his availability for the derby against Crystal Palace is not certain.

If the Brazil international is ruled out, summer signing Piero Hincapie could get the nod to start next to William Saliba in defence.

The Ecuador international has made just one substitute appearance for Arsenal so far, and he spent a spell on the sidelines due to injury as well.

Now, Hincapie is back fit and ready to go, and although his Gunners debut came at left-back, he is more than capable of starting in the heart of the defence.

If Gabriel is ruled out for the clash against Palace, we think Hincapie should replace him.

What will Piero Hincapie bring to this Arsenal side?

Hincapie is a tremendous talent.

The Bayer Leverkusen loanee made a great name for himself in Germany and was among the best defenders there. He was incredible under Xabi Alonso.

Hailed as an ‘aggressive’ defender, Hincapie is very physical, is not afraid of going into challenges and has the ability to deal with all types of attackers.

The Ecuadorian is also great on the ball and very clean with his passing. Even if he plays as a centre-back, he has the vision to find teammates who are far away from him.

Hincapie is not on Gabriel’s level just yet, but the 23-year-old is a great defender and is more than capable of filling in for him against Crystal Palace if required.