Arsenal handed new defender injury as Cristhian Mosquera forced off against Brentford | OneFootball

Summer signing was unable to continue after landing awkwardly

Mosquera has impressed since his summer move from Valencia, deputising alongside fellow summer signing Piero Hincapie at the heart of defence.

It is unclear how severe Mosquera’s injury is, but his withdrawal leaves Mikel Arteta, who is already without William Saliba and Gabriel, sweating over his defensive options ahead of Saturday’s game against Aston Villa.

The Gunners left Saliba and Leandro Trossard out of the matchday squad against Brentford, with the pair nursing injuries. Gabriel remains “weeks” away from returning.

Arteta said it would be a matter of days before Saliba and Trossard returned to fitness, and the Arsenal boss will hope Saliba can be available for the weekend’s trip to Villa Park.

League leaders Arsenal are also without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus ahead of a busy winter schedule.

In his post-match press conference following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend, Arteta admitted it has been frustrating having to deal with so many injuries early into the season.

“It’s been a headache,” Arteta said. “We’ve had to have a lot of options and changes over the last few months for different reasons.

“That one [Saliba] is very unexpected and it happened on Saturday, but the beauty of it is that you have players so willing to play, so willing to connect with each other, and it makes their relationship even better.

“So, it was a great match for all of us, and it gives you the reassurance that whoever is there is going to perform.”