Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié remains uncertain for Saturday's Premier League meeting with Everton despite Mikel Arteta suggesting the Ecuador international could return to the squad.
The 24-year-old has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained after Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Leeds United on 10 October.
Arteta offered an encouraging update before Wednesday's Champions League draw with Bayern Munich, but reports from Ecuador indicated that Hincapié had not yet resumed full team training.
His availability against Everton will depend on his progress during the final stages of recovery.
Arteta hopeful Hincapié can return against Everton
Hincapié suffered his ankle injury during a supplementary training session following Arsenal's victory over Leeds.
The defender had appeared as a late substitute before taking part in additional exercises on the Emirates Stadium pitch alongside players who had not completed the full match.
He subsequently missed Arsenal's Champions League fixtures against Lille and Bayern Munich, as well as their Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest.
Arteta initially indicated that Hincapié could face several weeks on the sidelines.
However, speaking before the Bayern match, the Arsenal manager suggested that a return against Everton remained possible.
"Piero, let's see," Arteta said.
"If he is able to train the next few days he can be available for Everton, which is great news."
The comments offered hope of an earlier return, although Arteta stopped short of confirming the defender would be available.
Ecuadorian reports highlight individual training
According to Ecuadorian newspaper El Comercio, Hincapié resumed work on the training pitch on Tuesday, 20 October.
However, the defender was completing individual exercises rather than participating fully with his teammates.
The publication reported on 21 October that he still needed to complete his reintegration into group training before returning to competitive action.
That represents progress in his recovery, but it does not establish whether he has subsequently completed a full session.
Arteta's assessment and the Ecuadorian reporting are not necessarily contradictory.
The Arsenal manager made clear that Hincapié's availability depended on his ability to train over the following days.
Arsenal awaiting final decision on defender
Hincapié's campaign has already been disrupted by groin problems and his subsequent ankle injury.
The Ecuador international provides Arsenal with cover at both centre-back and left-back, making his return a useful boost for Arteta's defensive options.
His fitness is also of interest to Ecuador ahead of November's international fixtures.
However, Arsenal's immediate concern is whether he is ready to return to competitive action after missing three successive matches.
There has been no confirmed date for his comeback.
Key Points
- Piero Hincapié remains a possible option for Arsenal's Premier League match against Everton.
- Mikel Arteta said the defender could be available if he completed training successfully.
- Hincapié injured his ankle during a post-match training session following the 2-1 victory over Leeds United.
- El Comercio reported that he resumed individual training on 20 October but had not yet returned to full group work.
- The Ecuador international has missed matches against Lille, Nottingham Forest and Bayern Munich.
What's Next?
Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 24 October, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm BST.
Hincapié's inclusion will depend on his recovery and the coaching staff's final assessment.
The next official team-news update and Arsenal's matchday squad should provide a clearer indication of whether he is ready to return.
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