Arsenal have been forced to do without both Gabriel and William Saliba in recent weeks with the injured Cristhian Mosquera now set to join them on the sidelines
Arsenal fear they will be without Cristhian Mosquera for at least six weeks after the defender picked up an ankle problem in the 2-0 win over Brentford in midweek.
The 21-year-old couldn’t continue after a heavy landing towards the end of the first half with Jurrien Timber replacing him. And he now looks set to join Gabriel and William Saliba on the sidelines, meaning Mikel Arteta could be forced into yet another defensive reshuffle for Saturday’s big game against Aston Villa.
BBC Sport claim the Gunners believe Mosquera is likely to be out of action for at least six weeks due to his ankle problem, with the potential for that to stretch to eight weeks. He is due to undergo further tests.
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The news is another blow for Arteta, who lost the influential Gabriel to a thigh injury last month. He is not expected back until early 2026, while Saliba missed games against Chelsea and Brentford due to a knock. It’s understood that Mosquera won’t be included in the squad for Saturday’s game against Aston Villa.
Despite only joining in the summer, the defender has already shown glimpses of why Arsenal were so keen to sign him. He was snapped up for a mere £13m from Valencia and has already added further depth to Arsenal’s defensive options, stepping in impressively for Gabriel and Saliba already this season.
Mosquera had to rely on him and Piero Hincapie to play against Chelsea and Brenford before the former landed awkwardly after going up to challenge for a header.
Arteta’s comments after the incident suggested Arsenal were fearful Mosquera could be set for a spell on the sidelines, saying: “Mosquera is the one that is more complicated. We have another test today.”
Should Mosquera be sidelined for six weeks, he’ll miss the busy festive period, which includes no less than ten crucial matches for the team – not least a journey to Liverpool in early January.
While his absence this weekend means Arsenal could be stretched when they travel to face in-form Villa, there is a possibility that Saliba could return, with Arteta saying his injury was just a “matter of days” away from clearing up.
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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