Arsenal have emerged from their comeback win over Chelsea with mixed news on the injury front as attention shifts to the start of a new Champions League campaign. The Gunners face Napoli on Wednesday night, buoyed after coming from behind to beat Chelsea as Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard were on target at the Emirates Stadium.
While Arsenal continued the perfect start to the defence of their Premier League crown, Cristhian Mosquera missed out, which meant summer signing Ezri Konsa made his full debut in the continued absence of William Saliba. Elsewhere, Declan Rice shook off a knock to complete the full 90 minutes, and Bruno Guimaraes was an unused substitute with Mikel Arteta deciding against taking any risks with his new £75million midfielder.
Jurrien Timber close to return
Jurrien Timber is yet to feature this season after undergoing minor surgery over the summer and was not expected to return until later in September. However, he was in contention for Sunday's derby against Chelsea after taking a huge step in training last week.
"He's in really good condition at the moment," Arteta said of Timber. "He's been on the pitch for a few weeks and he's been training with us now, so he's in a good place."
Timber was ultimately left out of the Arsenal matchday squad for the win over Chelsea, but it would appear a return to action is not too far away. Potential return date: September 9 vs Napoli (a).
Cristhian Mosquera doubtful for Napoli
Cristhian Mosquera was forced off in the second half of Arsenal's victory at Villa Park last Monday, though Mikel Arteta indicated at the time that was precautionary. Speaking after the win over Chelsea, the Gunners manager said he is hopeful the muscle injury is not too serious.
"He had a muscular issue," Arteta said. "We think it is not too much but we need to wait and see in the next few days how it evolves."
Early suggestions are that Mosquera is a doubt for the trip to Naples, meaning Konsa may keep his place alongside Gabriel at the heart of the Arsenal defence. Potential return date: September 9 vs Napoli (a).
Bruno Guimaraes in contention
It has been a stop-start beginning for Bruno Guimaraes at Arsenal following his £75m summer switch from Newcastle. He played a half against Manchester City as the Gunners ran out 3-0 winners in the Community Shield but was spotted in the second half sitting on the bench with ice on his right thigh. Ultimately, that caused the 28-year-old to sit out the Coventry win.
The Brazilian then picked up a knock after coming off the bench against Aston Villa last Monday and was a doubt for the Chelsea game. The fact he was fit enough for the bench on Sunday suggests he should be in contention to start in the Champions League. Potential return date: September 9 vs Napoli (a).
William Saliba out until winter
Arsenal's defensive strength even without William Saliba is a "worry" for the rest of the Premier League, according to Jamie Carragher. The Gunners will hope that verdict carries weight as the Frenchman is set for a long spell on the sidelines with a back injury, though he has been named in the Champions League squad.
The good news is the defender doesn't need surgery, but it will be a while before he is back in action. A statement released in July read: "Specialist reviews on William's return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation. Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme. William's rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period." Potential return date: Winter 2026.
