Arsenal are set to be without Cristhian Mosquera for at least six weeks following an ankle injury sustained in their 2-0 Premier League victory against Brentford. The 21-year-old Spanish defender, who has made just four league starts this season, was forced off the pitch just before half-time after landing awkwardly.

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Mosquera’s injury details and prognosis

Early indications suggest Mosquera could be sidelined for six to eight weeks, adding to Arsenal’s growing defensive concerns. The Gunners’ manager, Mikel Arteta, confirmed that further tests will be conducted to determine the full extent of the injury.

“Mosquera is the one that is more complicated. We have another test today,” Arteta said.

Mosquera, who joined Arsenal from Valencia over the summer, had been deputising in the absence of first-choice centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, both of whom are currently sidelined with injuries.

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Arsenal’s defensive situation

• William Saliba is close to returning after a recent training knock but remains uncertain for the upcoming fixtures.
• Gabriel Magalhaes may not return until January due to a thigh injury.
• With Mosquera out, Piero Hincapie and other squad members have been covering, but the Gunners will rely heavily on Saliba’s return to maintain stability at the back.

This defensive crisis comes at a critical point in the season, with Arsenal leading the Premier League and competing in the Champions League group stage.

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Upcoming fixtures

Arsenal face a challenging schedule in the coming week:

• Saturday, 12:30 GMT – Premier League trip to Aston Villa (third place)
• Wednesday, 10 December, 20:00 GMT – Champions League clash at Club Brugge

The Gunners will need to manage their defensive options carefully, with Mosquera’s absence likely to influence Arteta’s team selection in both competitions.

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Implications for Arsenal’s season

The long-term injury to Mosquera highlights Arsenal’s current defensive depth challenges. If Saliba is unable to return immediately, Arteta may be forced to rely on rotation and squad flexibility to navigate key fixtures in the Premier League and Champions League.

Maintaining a clean sheet and defensive solidity will be crucial for Arsenal’s title push domestically and in Europe, making the health of their defensive players a top priority.