Mikel Arteta has confirmed Piero Hincapie will be available for Arsenal's clash against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Hincapie, 23, has been struggling with a groin injury which has restricted him to just one appearance for the Gunners ever since his loan move from Bayer Leverkusen. He had sat out of Arsenal's last five matches, including the 1-0 win at Fulham last time out, as well as the games against West Ham United, Olympiacos, Newcastle United and Port Vale before the international break.
However, Arteta confirmed he will be available when Atletico visit the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, October 21. The Arsenal boss delivered the update while speaking in his pre-match press conference.
The Spaniard said: "Yeah he (Hincapie) will be available and I think that game (Fulham) a bit to early for him, but now he's ready to go."
Arteta also said he was hoping to include Hincapie in his squad for the 1-0 away victory over Fulham, but the Craven Cottage clash came just too early. It was the only moment of frustration for Arteta, who was pleased with his side's display in west London.
Speaking about the victory over Marco Silva's side, when asked if he was happy with his side's showing, he replied: "Well very happy.
"Especially after the international break. You could tell that in the first ten minutes. But watching the game back we deserved to win."
Arsenal are one of only six teams to have began the Champions League group phase with two victories in two games. Only Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. Inter Milan and surprise package Qarabag boast a 100 per cent record.
The Gunners began with a hard fought 2-0 away victory over Athletic Club, before comfortably beating Olympiacos 2-0 at Emirates Stadium. Martinelli has been Arsenal's brightest spark in the Champions League, scoring in both matches.
Interestingly, Arsenal were recently labelled the favourites to win the Champions League. Instead of playing down such a title, Arteta urged his team to embrace it.
He said: "The only thing that I embrace is when I see the team, the energy to give us that conviction that we can go all the way."
Arsenal will still be without long-term absentees, captain Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. Victory over Atletico would be crucial for Arteta's squad, with Slavia Praha and Bayern Munich up next in the Champions League.
