Arsenal have time to reflect on their 3-0 defeat at Brighton, with the only positive coming from encouraging signs on the injury front. Mikel Arteta's side saw their seven-game winning streak at the start of the campaign end in surprising fashion at the Amex Stadium.
Extended break offers recovery time
Due to changes in the scheduling and length of the first international break this season, Arsenal are not back in action until two weeks from Saturday when they host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium. By then, the Gunners hope to have Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White available, while William Saliba could be nearing a return.
Although Jurrien Timber started against Brighton and Piero Hincapie was back on the bench, Arsenal's injury issues remain in defence. Arteta will want more options with tough matches ahead.
Ben White close to return
White picked up a groin issue in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Sunderland on September 12, missing the Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich three days later. The defender was not named in the England squad and was thought to be in contention for the Brighton match after Arteta's pre-match comments.
“Ben is all good, we have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody,” Arteta said. However, White was not in the matchday squad against his former club, meaning Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi shared right-back duty after Timber went off in the second half. Taking Arteta's update into account, White should be fine after the international break.
Potential return date: October 10 vs Leeds (h)
Mosquera and Saliba updates
Mosquera has been out since being forced off in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa on August 31, missing Arsenal's last five matches. He travelled to the Amex Stadium but was not in the matchday squad, watching warm-ups from the touchline. The extended break should give him time to fully recover from the muscle issue.
Potential return date: October 10 vs Leeds (h)
Saliba has been sidelined since July with a back injury and is not expected back for a while, though he has been named in the Champions League squad. The defender does not need surgery, but may not return until after the November international break.
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
