Mikel Arteta might hand defender his first Pl start when Arsenal play Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Injury worry could open the door for Arsenal defender
Arsenal will be facing a big selection worry prior to their game against Crystal Palace.
Gabriel Magalhaes with a knee blow will likely not be able to show up in the derby; he has been out of practice ever since the injury. He will undergo a final fitness test and the main call regarding his participation will be made.
In contrast, if the player does not get the green light to join in, Mikel Arteta will still be confronted with the issue of one less defender since the defense will for sure be short of one player.
Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, and Piero Hincapie are three options, at least for now. Mosquera was the one who replaced Gabriel. He performed well. But, Arteta is the type of coach who likes to have left-footed players in his defense. That point could tilt the call in Hincapie’s favour. The Gunners will need both defensive strength and smooth build-up play from the back.
Hincapie’s chance to impress
It is possible that Hincapie could make start in the PL, if Arteta supports him. He came on loan from Bayer Leverkusen to Arsenal with an option to buy him. This was a case of being patient to get the chance. Staying calm in tough moments and his tactics of ball possession are the two main reasons that he is a good fit.
The moment might be just right. Meanwhile, Calafiori is likely to stay at left-back after his great early-season performance comprising three assists and goals. This leaves the central spot alongside William Saliba open for changes.
In the match against Oliver Glasner’s Palace, Hincapie might bring in new energy and be a defensive certainty.
Author’s Opinion:
This might be the game where Hincapie comes out of his shell. Arteta’s confidence in him would indeed show relying on the team’s depth.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
