Zubimendi set for Arsenal comeback as Hincapie faces extended absence

Arsenal will be boosted by the potential return of Zubimendi for Sunday's home clash against Nottingham Forest, according to Arteta's pre-match assessment. The Spanish midfielder has recovered sufficiently from his injury to be considered available for selection, providing the north London club with a timely reinforcement in midfield.

In contrast, Hincapie's recovery timeline appears considerably longer. The Colombian left-back suffered a setback during last week's fixtures and is not expected to be ready for the weekend's encounter. His absence will likely force Arteta to adjust his defensive setup for the Nottingham Forest match.

The availability of Zubimendi could prove significant for Arsenal's midfield balance as they push for points in the Premier League title race. His return to the squad would offer Arteta greater tactical flexibility after the injury absences that have disrupted team preparations in recent days.

Arsenal will be hoping to maintain their competitive form while managing the fitness concerns affecting their squad depth. The coming weeks will be crucial for both Zubimendi's continued recovery and Hincapie's rehabilitation as the club navigates the demanding Premier League schedule.