Arsenal's defensive injury crisis deepened on Wednesday night as Cristhian Mosquera was forced off before half-time in the home clash with Brentford. The centre-back landed awkwardly after contesting a header with Kevin Schade, received treatment on the pitch, and was replaced by Jurrien Timber.
Mosquera, who joined from Valencia in the summer, has impressed deputising alongside fellow new signing Piero Hincapie at the heart of defence. The extent of his injury is unclear, but his withdrawal leaves manager Mikel Arteta sweating over his options ahead of Saturday's trip to Aston Villa.
Arteta is already without William Saliba, Gabriel, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. Saliba and Leandro Trossard were left out of the squad against Brentford due to injuries, while Gabriel remains weeks away from returning. Arteta said Saliba and Trossard could be back in days, and he will hope Saliba is available for the weekend.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend, Arteta described the injury situation as a 'headache' but praised his squad's willingness to step up. 'It gives you the reassurance that whoever is there is going to perform,' he said.
