Piero Hincapie injury scare as Arsenal defender is substituted during Liverpool draw | OneFootball

Gunners are already without Riccardo Calafiori, while Myles Lewis-Skelly looked rusty against Liverpool

Arsenal have been dealt a fresh injury concern ahead of cup ties against Portsmouth and Chelsea.

The Gunners take on the Championship strugglers in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday before facing their London rivals at Stamford Bridge in the first-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final three days later.

Hincapie, who has shifted out to left-back following the return of Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori’s subsequent fitness issues, was hobbling at one point in the second half at the Emirates.

Moments later, Hincapie received treatment and was then replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly for the final half hour as the Gunners missed the chance to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Arteta did not mention the Ecuador international during his post-match media duties, so it remains to be seen how serious the injury is.

If Hincapie is unable to feature at Fratton Park this weekend, Lewis-Skelly is likely to get the nod at left-back.

Myles Lewis-Skelly replaced Piero Hincapie against Liverpool

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

However, the England international looked rusty upon replacing Hincapie at the Emirates as he struggled to deal with the directness of Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong.

Arteta did heap praise on his players for coming through a hectic run of fixtures with a six-point lead at the Premier League summit.

“What it makes me feel is very proud because I know how difficult it is and what they're doing,” Arteta said. “I recognise what they're doing. It’s unbelievable.”