Why Arsenal star Piero Hincapie missed Carabao Cup win over Ipswich

Piero Hincapie was expected to start against Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup last night (Credits: Images/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

Arsenal have another defensive injury concern ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brighton.

The Gunners continued their flawless start to the new season with convincing 4-2 Carabao Cup third round win over Ipswich Town.

Teenage sensation Max Dowman scored twice with Mikel Arteta, who made nine changes to the team which beat Sunderland last weekend, demonstrating the strength of his squad.

That said, the Arsenal boss is running short of defensive options ahead of the visit to the Amex Stadium to face the in-form Seagulls.

No return date has been set for William Saliba who suffered a back injury during the World Cup, while Cristhian Mosquera has missed the last four matches with the muscle strain he picked in a victory over Aston Villa.

Ben White was forced off at half-time at the Stadium of Light and replaced by Jurrien Timber who is only just back after a long-term absence and was given the night off at Portman Road.

Piero Hincapie, meanwhile, was expected to start against the Tractor Boys but the Ecuador international didn’t even make the bench at Portman Road which meant a start at left-back for Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Myles Lewis-Skelly started at left-back against Ipswich Town (Picture: Getty)

Arteta hinted several players were given the night off due to fatigue, saying: ‘With some players, they were carrying some fatigue, some real issues, that we have to look after.

‘There are other players available that are fresh and in a better condition to play.’

According to Football.London, however, Hincapie is yet another Arsenal defender to have suffered a muscular injury and it remains to be seen whether or not he makes the squad for the game at Brighton.