Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with a mounting injury crisis in defence as a punishing schedule begins to take its toll on his squad. The Gunners' 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday was compounded by fresh fitness concerns, with key players facing spells on the sidelines.
Defensive Blow: Mosquera Ruled Out for Weeks
The most significant update concerns summer signing Cristhian Mosquera. The centre-back, who went off injured in the midweek 2-0 win over Brentford, has sustained an ankle problem. Initially hopeful, Arteta confirmed after the Villa loss that the issue is "much more than what we expected" and the player will be out for "weeks".
This has forced Arteta to deploy Jurrien Timber in an unfamiliar central defensive role in recent matches. The situation at the back is further complicated by the continued absence of two other first-choice defenders.
Saliba and Gabriel Nearing Returns
William Saliba was a surprise absentee against Chelsea last weekend after picking up a knock in training. The French defender also missed the matches against Brentford and Aston Villa. However, there is some relief as Arteta previously indicated this lay-off would only be a matter of "days", suggesting a return is imminent.
Fellow centre-back Gabriel remains sidelined with an abductor injury suffered on international duty. The Brazilian is also ruled out for "weeks" according to the manager, but is reportedly progressing well in his recovery.
Trossard's Impact and Fresh Concern
There was a mixed bag for attacker Leandro Trossard. The Belgian marked his return from injury by coming off the bench to score Arsenal's equaliser at Villa Park. However, his comeback was cut short as he was substituted late on after feeling a recurrence of his recent ankle issue.
Arteta explained: "He was really good. We knew he is another player coming back from injury and he started to feel it again so we had to take him off." His status will be closely monitored ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Club Brugge.
Long-Term Absence of Havertz
Kai Havertz remains Arsenal's longest-term absentee. The German striker has not played since undergoing knee surgery after the season's opening weekend. He recently suffered a setback while on international duty.
Arteta provided a cautiously optimistic update, stating recovery is "a matter of weeks" and that the medical team now believes they have "unlocked" the next phase of his rehabilitation. The manager expressed his eagerness to reintegrate a player whose "playing record is phenomenal".
These injury woes come at a critical juncture, with Arsenal facing a third game in six days against Club Brugge on Wednesday, followed by a Premier League meeting with Wolves at the Emirates on Saturday night.
