Arsenal dealt major injury blow in Liverpool clash as Mikel Arteta's curse strikes again

Arsenal were dealt a blow during their clash against Liverpool

Piero Hincapie was forced to come off during the second half of Arsenal's clash against Liverpool . The 23-year-old defender, who the Gunners signed on loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, was replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly shortly before the hour mark.

Hincapie was spotted holding the back of right leg before hitting the deck. Anthony Taylor stopped play and waved medical staff onto the pitch. After receiving some treatment, the Ecuador international was helped to his feet and ushered off the pitch.

He had started each of the Gunners' last nine games in the Premier League, keeping two clean sheets. Rotating between left-back and centre-half, Hincapie helped Mikel Arteta's side establish a comfortable lead at the top of the table.

Speaking to reporters at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Wednesday, the Arsenal boss commented on how well the Ecuadorian has settled in the English top flight . Arteta said: "I'm very impressed because obviously he came in very, very late in the market, without pre-season, after surgery as well.

"He’s been immense for everything that we ask him to do; he's fulfilled that in various roles as well. I think it's been a big boost for the team and another step in terms of what he can bring to the team."

Piero Hincapie during an Arsenal training session (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Upon signing Hincapie, Mikel Arteta said: "We are so pleased to welcome Piero Hincapie to the club. Piero has a real physical presence, with his versatility and tactical flexibility giving us strong added defensive options.

"He is a big character, with a very good combination of both youth and maturity. He will make our squad stronger and more competitive as we continue into this season. We welcome Piero and his family to Arsenal."

Andrea Berta was just as pleased to welcome Hincapie to the Emirates Stadium. The Arsenal sportingdirector said: "We are delighted to have completed the loan signing for the season of Piero Hincapie.

Piero Hincapie is the latest Arsenal star to pick up an injury (Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))

"At only 23, Piero already has significant experience, both in the Bundesliga and at international level. He is an intelligent defender with real strength and versatility.

"His performances in recent years for both club and country have been of a consistent high quality, and we are confident Piero will continue to grow this season and be an important player for us."