EPL: Arteta provides Mosquera injury update ahead of Aston Villa clash

Arsenal fear Cristhian Mosquera could be sidelined for at least six weeks, adding to the club’s growing defensive concerns.

The Spanish defender suffered an ankle injury during the 2-0 midweek win over Brentford and is set for further tests to determine the severity.

As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, Mosquera’s potential absence compounds Arsenal’s problems at the back, with first-choice centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba already sidelined.

The 21-year-old required treatment after landing awkwardly and was substituted, with early indications suggesting he could miss between six and eight weeks.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his summer signing from Valencia required further examination as he added, “Mosquera is the more complicated one. We have another test today.”

He also told Friday’s news conference that Saliba is “days” away from returning after a knock in training ruled him out of recent games against Chelsea and Brentford, while Gabriel may not be back until January with a thigh injury.

Mosquera and Piero Hincapie have been deputising for the pair, but, with Mosquera now facing a long lay-off, Saliba’s availability will be crucial for Arsenal, who are currently top of both the Premier League and Champions League group phase.

The Gunners visit third-placed Aston Villa on Saturday, before a trip to Club Brugge on Wednesday, December 10

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