Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update after Arsenal's 2-0 win over Brentford, confirming that both Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera were forced off during the match. The Gunners moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League, but the victory was marred by fitness concerns.
Mosquera was replaced in the 44th minute after landing awkwardly following a header contest with Kevin Schade. The Colombian defender underwent treatment on the pitch before being substituted by Jurrien Timber. Rice was withdrawn in the 83rd minute after receiving treatment on his calf.
“Yes, obviously it's never good news,” Arteta told reporters. “Declan had to come off, we don't know. We have to see tomorrow what he's got. And Mosquera is the other one that is out. Obviously we have Gabriel and Willy [Saliba] are out as well. So we have to adapt.”
Arteta added that Rice could walk but not play, and that Mosquera's injury is likely to his knee or ankle. The injuries compound Arsenal's defensive crisis, with William Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined. Arteta previously said he expects Saliba back in a “matter of days”, potentially for Saturday's match against Aston Villa.
Despite losing Mosquera before half-time, Arsenal's defence held firm as they cruised to victory. Mikel Merino opened the scoring with a header from Ben White's delivery, and Bukayo Saka sealed the win in second-half injury time.
