Two Arsenal Stars Return to Training Ahead of Manchester United Clash

Mikel Arteta confirms Hincapie and Calafiori returns ahead of Man United tie at the Emirates, giving Arsenal an injury boost.

Arsenal have received a significant injury boost ahead of Manchester United, with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie returning to full first-team training ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium. The update comes at a crucial moment as Mikel Arteta’s side look to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Riccardo Calafiori has remained out since late December after he withdrew during the warm‑up against Brighton. The Italian defender last played in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace and has since worked to recover from a training‑related issue.

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Meanwhile, Piero Hincapie has missed the last two weeks after he sustained a groin injury during Arsenal’s goalless draw with Liverpool. The Ecuador international left the pitch after 57 minutes, and the club’s medical staff have carefully managed his recovery.

On Friday, both defenders trained fully at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, boosting optimism that Mikel Arteta could select them against Manchester United.

Arteta Provides Cautious Fitness Update

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta struck a cautious but positive tone regarding the pair’s availability.

“We have another training session and we’ll see after that,” Arteta said.
“After Inter, we had no injury issues reported.”

Arteta confirmed there were no fresh concerns following Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Inter Milan and suggested final decisions would be made after the final training session.

The only confirmed absentee remains Max Dowman, who continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

The timing of the double return could prove decisive. Arsenal currently sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, having capitalised on dropped points from Manchester City and Aston Villa last weekend.

Manchester United arrive in north London buoyed by a derby win over City under interim boss Michael Carrick, setting up a high-stakes encounter with major title implications.

Hincapie’s availability could reduce minutes for teenage prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly, who impressed recently in Europe, while Calafiori offers Arteta added flexibility at left-back and centre-back as fixture congestion increases.

Squad Depth Boost Ahead of Busy Schedule

With a Champions League fixture against Kairat Almaty looming next week, Arteta may opt to manage minutes carefully. However, having Calafiori and Hincapie back gives Arsenal their strongest defensive depth in weeks, strengthening rotation options across competitions.

As Arsenal prepare for one of their biggest domestic tests of the season, the return of two key defenders could play a decisive role in maintaining momentum at the top of the table.

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