Arsenal enter one of the busiest stretches of their season facing a defensive crisis that has come at the worst possible time. Saturday’s dramatic 2–1 defeat at Aston Villa not only tightened the Premier League title race but highlighted how stretched Mikel Arteta’s back line has become.
For the trip to Villa Park, Arsenal were without William Saliba, Gabriel, and Cristhian Mosquera, leaving Piero Hincapié as the club’s only fully fit senior centre-back. The situation was so sparse that 16-year-old academy defender Marli Salmon was named on the bench — a remarkable illustration of the injury strain on Arteta’s squad.
The issues will not ease immediately. Arsenal travel to Belgium on Wednesday night to face Club Brugge in the Champions League league phase, followed by Wolves at home on Sunday. With Everton, Brighton, Villa again, and a Carabao Cup quarter-final looming before Christmas, this is a period where squad health could decide momentum.
There was some relief as Declan Rice completed 90 minutes despite his calf scare, and Leandro Trossard returned to score off the bench, but the defensive picture remains fraught.
Here is the latest on Arsenal’s injury situation.
William Saliba — could return in Europe this week
Arsenal supporters had expected to see Saliba feature against Villa after Arteta described his recovery as a matter of “days”. The Frenchman suffered a knock in training ahead of the draw with Chelsea and was close to returning, but ultimately did not travel to the Midlands.
Arteta has not provided a fresh update since, but the optimistic tone from earlier in the week suggests Saliba could be in contention for a return against Club Brugge.
“It is a matter of days with those two, for sure.” — Mikel Arteta, on Saliba and Trossard
Potential return date: Wednesday 10 December vs Club Brugge (A)
Cristhian Mosquera — weeks out after ankle injury
Mosquera’s injury, sustained in midweek against Brentford, has proven far more serious than first expected. Arteta described the issue as “complicated”, with further tests revealing an ankle problem significant enough to rule him out for several weeks.
Reports indicate the Spaniard could miss up to six to eight weeks, though Arsenal have yet to confirm an exact timeline. His absence is a major loss given how effectively he had deputised beside Hincapié.
“He’s going to be out for weeks unfortunately. It’s much more than we expected.” — Mikel Arteta
Potential return date: Unknown
Gabriel — progressing but still “weeks” away
Gabriel’s leadership and stability were sorely missed at Villa Park. The Brazilian has been out since suffering an adductor injury while representing Brazil in a friendly at the Emirates on 15 November.
Arteta revealed ahead of the Brentford match that although Gabriel is improving, his recovery is still measured in weeks rather than days.
“Big Gabi is doing very well, but that’s weeks as well.” — Mikel Arteta
Potential return date: Late December / January
Kai Havertz — positive signs despite recent setback
While Arsenal’s attacking injury list has healed, Kai Havertz remains a notable exception. The German has been out since suffering a knee injury on the opening weekend of the season. A minor operation initially produced quick progress, but a subsequent setback derailed his return schedule.
Arteta, who has been effusive about Havertz’s importance, believes the midfielder is now regaining momentum.
“It’s a matter of weeks. He’s doing really well. We’re all desperate to have him back — he’s a massive boost for the team.” — Mikel Arteta
Potential return date: Late December / January
Key Insights
- Arsenal are down to one fit senior centre-back after injuries to Saliba, Gabriel and Mosquera.
- Saliba is closest to returning and may feature against Club Brugge.
- Mosquera faces a lengthy spell out with an ankle issue.
- Gabriel and Havertz both targeting a late December or January return.
- Defensive instability threatens Arsenal’s form across all competitions.
What’s Next?
Arsenal travel to Belgium on Wednesday aiming to consolidate top spot in the Champions League league phase. With Wolves visiting the Emirates at the weekend, Arteta will hope for at least one key defender to return — or risk beginning December with a patched back line during a brutal run of fixtures.
👉 Arsenal fans — which defender’s return do you think Arteta needs most urgently?
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