Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirms Piero Hincapie is fit for the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update ahead of the team’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, confirming that Piero Hincapie is ‘ready to go’. The Ecuadorian defender had been nursing a minor groin injury but has now returned to full fitness.

Hincapie was absent from the matchday squad for Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Fulham, with Arteta stating that the game came a bit too early for the 23-year-old. However, he has since had two very good training sessions and is now available for selection.

Hincapie is primarily a left-sided centre-back but can also operate from the left-back role. He made his Gunners debut as a late substitute against Athletic Bilbao in mid-September but has not featured in the matchday squad since.

It is unlikely that Hincapie will start against Atletico Madrid, but he could replace Gabriel after the hour mark if Arsenal have a resounding lead. The Ecuadorian was signed by Arsenal on loan this summer, with Leverkusen confirming that there is an obligation to buy (£45 million) if certain conditions are met.

Arsenal are presently on a five-match winning streak, but they face a testing challenge against Atletico, who have one of the best tactical coaches around in Diego Simeone. The Gunners have not beaten Atletico in their two competitive meetings, which were under Arsene Wenger.

Atletico won 2-1 on aggregate during the 2018 Europa League semi-finals, with Jan Oblak making seven saves in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal had a man advantage after just 10 minutes but netted just once from 28 shots.

Arsenal will look to avenge that result and secure a victory against Atletico Madrid.