Arsenal injury worries compounded with Hincapie, Zubimendi withdrawals

Arsenal duo Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi have withdrawn from their respective national squads due to injury, leaving Mikel Arteta with a selection headache.

The Gunners have now had 10 players return to north London to receive medical treatment or assessment.

Hincapie left Ecuador's squad on Sunday, having played 72 minutes of their 1-1 draw against Morocco on Friday.

However, a statement released by Ecuador said the defender would return to Arsenal "to begin his recovery process" following medical tests, though details were not disclosed.

And shortly after, Spain confirmed Zubimendi had withdrawn from their squad for the upcoming game against Egypt.

The midfielder came off the bench to play 14 minutes in Spain's 3-0 win over Serbia on Friday, having replaced Rodri.

"Martin Zubimendi has withdrawn from the Spanish national team camp due to discomfort in his right knee," Spain said in a statement.

"To avoid any risk and to protect the player's health, he has been removed from the squad."

Hincapie is the fourth defender to withdraw for Arsenal, who also appear to have issues in midfield, with Zubimendi following Declan Rice, who left the England squad on Saturday, along with Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke.

Arsenal are next in action in the FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton on Saturday, before a Champions League last-eight first leg against Sporting CP on April 7.