Arteta on Arsenal’s double injury blow following Leeds win

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie both suffered injuries in a post-match training session following Arsenal’s win over Leeds.

The pair were absent from training ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Lille, and Arteta revealed both are now set for further assessment and scans.

“We had a training session planned after the game for the players who didn’t have enough minutes,” Arteta said.

“In two very unfortunate actions we lost two players. Not great.

“We need to assess them today and they will have further scans to see where they are and the timeframe for how long they are going to be out for.”

Arteta admitted the timing of the injuries was “far from ideal” but defended the decision to hold the session.

“Very easy. We don’t train. Never train and they don’t get injured,” he said when asked if there is anything he could do differently in future.

“But the consequence to that is when they play, they have no rhythm and no impact in the game.

“What happened at the Emirates, it never happened in seven years I’ve been here. It could happen the next day in the training session and that has happened before.

“Hopefully it doesn’t happen again but what can you do? If I knew, I would say go in the jacuzzi everybody and see you tomorrow.”