Arsenal restored their five-point Premier League lead with a 2-0 victory over Brentford, but Mikel Arteta's injury concerns deepened as Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice both left the pitch
William Saliba (R) and Gabriel (L) of Arsenal
William Saliba (R) and Gabriel (L) both missed Arsenal's win over Brentford due to injury
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William Saliba's frustration at Arsenal's latest injury setback was evident during their triumph over Brentford. The Gunners secured a 2-0 victory against the Bees in Wednesday night's Premier League match, courtesy of goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta's squad re-established their five-point lead at the summit of the Premier League table with their win over Brentford. This came after Manchester City had temporarily reduced their lead to two points with a 5-4 victory over Fulham on Tuesday.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Gunners despite their win. Both Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice were forced to leave the pitch during the victory over the Bees due to suspected injuries, reports football.london.
Saliba, who missed the match due to an injury, was nonetheless present in the stands alongside his Arsenal team-mates to support them in this crucial match.
TV coverage showed Mosquera receiving treatment on the pitch, before the cameras panned to Saliba, who was visibly shaking his head in frustration.
The France international's reaction spoke volumes, as he was clearly left frustrated that Arsenal were dealing with yet another injury, particularly in the centre-back position where he and Gabriel Magalhaes are currently sidelined.
Arteta provided an update on Mosquera's condition following the setback, with the former Valencia star now being the third central defender on Arsenal's injury list.
"Mosquera is the other one that is out," Arteta said. "Obviously we have big Gabi [Magalhaes] and Willy [Saliba] out as well. So we have to adapt.
"It's been a theme of this season. But when I look at the players, they haven't been playing much."
On Mosquera's situation, Arteta added: "We have to wait and see. It's probably the knee or ankle. We don't know. He could not really tell us exactly how it was, but he wasn't able to continue."
Arsenal continue to grapple with a mounting injury crisis despite welcoming back Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres in recent days.
Saliba, Gabriel, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz were all ruled out for Wednesday evening's clash with Brentford.
Cristhian Mosquera had to be substituted with an injury
Cristhian Mosquera had to be substituted with an injury
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With Mosquera and Rice now potentially joining the treatment room, it's little wonder that Saliba may have shown his frustration over yet more fitness setbacks piling up.
The Gunners now face a daunting trip to high-flying Aston Villa in the Premier League this Saturday (12.30pm) as they bid to maintain or extend their advantage over Man City at the summit.
Should Villa triumph, however, they'll close to within just three points of Arsenal, following their thrilling 4-3 victory at Brighton on Wednesday night.
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