Arsenal's defensive injury crisis worsened on Wednesday evening as centre-back Cristhian Mosquera was forced off just before half-time in their Premier League clash with Brentford. The 21-year-old Spaniard landed awkwardly after contesting a header around the 40-minute mark, immediately wincing and hobbling before being treated by the physio and limping off the pitch.
Mosquera, a summer signing from Valencia, was starting alongside fellow new recruit Piero Hincapie due to the absence of first-choice centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. Jurrien Timber, rested for the match, replaced Mosquera. Though primarily a right-back, Timber often plays as a centre-half for the Netherlands.
Saliba missed the Brentford game after picking up a knock in training, having been surprisingly left out of the starting line-up against Chelsea at the weekend. Manager Mikel Arteta described it as a 'niggle' and expressed hope it would be a short-term issue. 'He had a niggle but I think it's going to be a matter of days until he returns,' Arteta said.
Gabriel's situation is more concerning, with the Brazilian battling a thigh injury sustained on international duty last month. Arteta confirmed the recovery is taking weeks, potentially ruling him out until after Christmas. 'Big Gabi's doing very well but that's weeks as well,' Arteta added.
Arsenal face Aston Villa on Saturday in the early kick-off, with hopes that Saliba will be fit. However, if all three centre-backs are unavailable, either Timber or Ben White will likely partner Hincapie in defence.
