Mikel Arteta has vowed his Arsenal defence is about to get even stronger as he begins to integrate Piero Hincapie into his starting XI.

The Ecuador international has endured a frustrating start to his Gunners career following his move from Bayer Leverkusen during the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

A groin injury, allied to the form of Riccardo Calafiori and his understudy Myles Lewis-Skelly, has meant Hincapie has been limited to just two brief substitute appearances so far.

The return of the Carabao Cup this evening offers Arteta an opportunity to rotate his squad and hand an opportunity to a player who he believes will ‘raise the level’.

‘He’s a warrior; he’s going to bring such intensity, physicality, and emotion to the team as well,’ said Arteta ahead of tonight’s ga

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