Rice and Mosquera hobbled off during the 2-0 win against Brentford in midweek
Your support helps us to tell the story
Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Mikel Arteta is unsure whether Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera will be fit for Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa on Saturday as he provided an uncertain injury update on the duo.
Arsenal’s growing defensive injury crisis worsened on Wednesday evening when Mosquera was forced off just before half-time of their Premier League clash with Brentford, hobbling down the tunnel after landing awkwardly.
Rice then joined the Spaniard on the treatment table as he limped off late into their 2-0 win at the Emirates with a calf issue, giving Arteta another injury scare.
The star Gunners midfielder allayed fears of a serious problem and said in a post-match interview that he was “fine”, but Arteta was unable to confirm whether the Englishman will make an immediate return to the fold.
“Well, let's see,” he said. “I think with all the questions I'm going to get, the answer, unfortunately, is going to be the same. We have another training session in the afternoon.
“Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players. After that, we'll decide who travels.
Arteta also couldn’t provide a definitive update on Mosquera, leaving the 21-year-old in doubt to feature at Villa Park.
“That's the one that is more complicated,” Arteta said. “But again, we have another test today to see where we are with them.”
Cristhian Mosquera came off injured against Brentford after landing awkwardly
Cristhian Mosquera came off injured against Brentford after landing awkwardly (REUTERS)
Mosquera’s absence threatens to put greater strain on Arsenal’s already-dwindling defensive options.
Gabriel is out until after Christmas with a thigh problem while William Saliba missed out on the Brentford clash after picking up a knock in training.
But in a boost for the Gunners, Arteta revealed that Saliba is very close to returning to contention, along with Belgian forward Leandro Trossard.
“It is a matter of days with those two, for sure,” he added.