Arsenal are bracing themselves for a significant defensive blow after Cristhian Mosquera suffered an ankle injury that is expected to rule him out for at least six weeks.
Injury blow in Brentford victory
The 21-year-old centre-back was forced off during the first half of the Gunners' 2-0 Premier League win over Brentford in midweek after an awkward landing. Jurrien Timber replaced him on the pitch, but initial assessments have revealed a more serious problem than first hoped.
According to reports from BBC Sport, the club's medical staff believe Mosquera will be unavailable for a minimum of six weeks, with the possibility of his recovery stretching to eight. The player is scheduled for further tests to determine the full extent of the damage.
Arteta's defensive crisis deepens
This development compounds manager Mikel Arteta's defensive headaches. The Spaniard is already without the influential Gabriel, who is sidelined with a thigh injury until early 2026. First-choice defender William Saliba also missed the recent matches against Chelsea and Brentford with a knock, though his return is thought to be imminent.
Arteta hinted at the severity of Mosquera's issue after the match, stating: "Mosquera is the one that is more complicated. We have another test today." It has now been confirmed that the summer signing will not feature in the squad for Saturday's crucial match against Aston Villa.
Impact on Arsenal's festive fixture pile-up
A six to eight-week absence would see Mosquera miss the entirety of the Premier League's hectic festive schedule. This period includes up to ten critical fixtures, most notably a daunting trip to face Liverpool at Anfield in early January.
The injury is particularly untimely given the positive impression the £13 million signing from Valencia has made since his arrival. Mosquera had stepped up admirably to cover for the absent Gabriel and Saliba, demonstrating the depth and value he adds to Arsenal's backline.
With Saliba potentially returning against Villa, Arteta may avoid a complete defensive reshuffle this weekend. However, the long-term loss of Mosquera leaves the squad significantly thinner as they navigate a defining period in the season, relying on the likes of Timber and Piero Hincapie to provide cover.
