Arsenal get huge new injury boost for Fulham trip but duo not training | OneFootball

Gunners stepping up preparations for Premier League return at Craven Cottage on Saturday

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face Fulham on Saturday

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Arsenal have been handed a boost after summer signing Piero Hincapie returned to training ahead of Saturday’s trip to Fulham.

Hincapie has played just one minute for Arsenal since joining them on loan from Bayer Leverkusen on transfer deadline day.

The defender has been struggling with a groin issue that has kept him out of action.

But Hincapie was part of Arsenal’s training session on Thursday morning as he closes in on a return to full fitness.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The Gunners are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Fulham, before hosting Atletico Madrid in the Champions League three days later.

Arsenal have a busy schedule before the next international break, which will see them play seven games in 22 days.

Arteta will look to rotate his squad during that time and the return of Hincapie will ease the workload on the defence.

The Ecuador international had a disrupted pre-season as he was forced to undergo surgery.

Mikel Arteta explained how an increase in load had led to the defender picking up his groin injury.

Ben White was absent from training on Thursday morning, while Martin Zubimendi watched on from the sidelines alongside Andrea Berta.