According to a report by London Evening Standard on Friday October 23, 2026, Arsenal have received encouraging news ahead of their Premier League meeting with Everton, with defender Piero Hincapie spotted participating in a full training session on Friday morning.

The Ecuadorian international has been unavailable since suffering an unusual injury during a post-match warm-down following Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Leeds earlier this month. He subsequently missed the encounter against Nottingham Forest.

Hincapie had previously resumed individual training before Arsenal’s Champions League trip to Bayern Munich on Wednesday, raising hopes that his recovery could progress faster than initially anticipated.

Manager Mikel Arteta had suggested that the 24-year-old could spend several weeks on the sidelines. However, his latest return to group training has increased the possibility of him featuring against Everton.

Speaking about the defender’s recovery, Arteta said: “Piero, let's see. If he is able to train the next few days he can be available for Everton, which is great news.”

Hincapie appeared in good spirits during Friday’s session, where he was welcomed back by teammates and members of Arsenal’s coaching staff. The defender went through a tunnel of teammates, receiving cheers and playful slaps on the head before beginning his training activities.

Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber received a special framed shirt in recognition of reaching 100 appearances for the North London club.

However, Arsenal were without Bukayo Saka, who is awaiting further information following a scan on the quad injury he sustained during the Bayern Munich match. The winger was forced off after just 10 minutes of the Champions League encounter.

Christos Tzolis also remains a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury while representing Greece during the international break.

Hincapie’s return provides Arteta with a potential defensive boost ahead of Saturday’s Everton fixture, although his availability will depend on how he responds to training before the match.