Arsenal reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, but the evening felt uneasy even before kick-off, with the Piero Hincapie injury explaining his surprise absence from the match day squad. His name was missing from the team sheet. That immediately stood out given how often he has featured in recent weeks.
Hincapie had quietly become part of Arsenal’s defensive routine. His sudden absence added to the sense that this was another night requiring adjustment rather than control. Progress still came, but it did not arrive cleanly.
WHY HINCAPIE MISSED OUT
After the match, Mikel Arteta clarified why Hincapie was not involved. The defender had picked up a problem during the weekend win over Everton. It was not a late decision taken on the day. It was planned.
“With Piero, it’s something different,” Arteta said. “He picked up an injury against Everton.”
That was the full explanation. No diagnosis followed. No timeline was offered. Arsenal chose caution, aware of the schedule ahead. With games stacking up quickly, risking a defender already carrying an issue made little sense.
HOW THE ABSENCE SHAPED THE GAME
Without Hincapie, Arsenal adjusted at the back and largely coped. The defensive shape held, but it never felt fully settled. Palace stayed in the contest longer than Arsenal would have wanted.
The lack of control showed in small moments. Clearances went longer. Passing felt safer. Arsenal managed situations rather than dictating them. That kept the tie alive.
The bigger concern arrived later. Gabriel Martinelli could not finish the game after taking a knock. He tried to continue. It did not last. Arteta grouped both issues together after full-time, and the tone shifted.
HINCAPIE’S RESPONSE AND THE SQUAD MOOD
Hincapie did not disappear after the final whistle. He stayed close to the group and joined the post-match celebrations. He posed with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. The mood looked relaxed.
Later, he responded to the image on social media with a heart emoji. It was a small gesture, but it carried meaning. It suggested frustration had not taken hold and that the injury may not be serious.
That matters for Arsenal. With Cristhian Mosquera sidelined long term and Gabriel still working back to full fitness, Hincapie has moved from depth option to reliability. His availability now feels important rather than optional.
WHAT COMES NEXT FOR ARSENAL
The schedule tightens quickly. Arsenal face six matches in 18 days across competitions. Rotation will not be optional. It will be forced.
Arteta acknowledged that reality. He spoke about attitude and adaptability rather than ideal conditions. Injuries, he admitted, often remove choice before plans can settle.
There is some relief ahead. Three of the next four league games come at the Emirates. Less travel could help manage fatigue. Even so, Arsenal will need bodies as much as momentum to stay competitive at the top end of the table.
AUTHOR’S INSIGHT
This was a night Arsenal navigated rather than controlled. Hincapie’s absence did not hurt them immediately, but it narrowed the margin. In a season this tight, small injuries rarely stay small for long. Arsenal moved on, but the sense of fragility lingered.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
