Arsenal remain the only unbeaten side in the Champions League but a new twist may have made their trip to face Club Brugge much more challenging
07:24, 09 Dec 2025Updated 07:30, 09 Dec 2025
Mikel Arteta is facing an injury crisis
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Mikel Arteta is facing an injury crisis
A first defeat since August was a major blow for Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta has the opportunity to restore balance at Club Brugge.
The Gunners are set to continue their Champions League journey on Wednesday, remaining the only team yet to suffer a loss in the competition. However, following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, Arsenal will be hoping not to endure another setback in Belgium after seeing the Premier League title race blown wide open.
Arteta has a unique chance to bolster his squad due to a recent UEFA rule change, following another injury blow. There was hope for the Gunners as Wednesday's opponents aren't exactly on a winning streak heading into the midweek clash - but that could now change. Here's all the latest news from the Emirates.
Champions League rule change
Cristhian Mosquera was forced off to add to the mounting injury problems for the Premier League leaders.
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Cristhian Mosquera was forced off against Aston Villa to add to the mounting injury problems for Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
A recent wave of injuries seems to be taking its toll on Arsenal, especially if the defeat at Villa Park is anything to go by.
And summer signing Cristhian Mosquera is among the latest casualties, sidelined with an ankle issue that could keep him out for six to eight weeks, reports the Mirror.
According to a UEFA rule introduced this season, Arsenal are allowed to replace Mosquera in their Champions League squad for the rest of the league phase.
This has sparked rumours that Gabriel Jesus, who is making a comeback, could take his place given the current absences of Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard, and Viktor Gyokeres' recent recovery from injury.
Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal during the Arsenal training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre
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Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to a return for Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
However, football.london has reported Arteta will pass up the opportunity to bring in Jesus and instead keep Mosquera as an option.
It's believed this is in the hope Mosquera will recover in time to contribute to Arsenal's final first-round matches.
Jesus hasn't played this season due to an ACL injury he sustained in January but has returned to full training. He was on the bench for two Premier League games without being used before missing the Villa match to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United.
This week is Arteta's last chance to take advantage of the new UEFA loophole, which won't be available after Matchday 6 (this week's round of fixtures). But all indications suggest that the deadline might come and go without Arteta making any changes.
Club Brugge update is a big blow to Gunners
Nicky Hayen has been sacked by Club Brugge
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Nicky Hayen has been sacked by Club Brugge(Image: Getty Images)
If Arsenal were in need of a pick-me-up following their disappointment at Villa Park, Club Brugge's current form should have provided some comfort.
Nicky Hayen had been in the hotseat at Brugge since March 2024, having steered them to the Belgian Pro League title in his first season and helped them win the Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup.
They were on a woeful run of four defeats in six and back-to-back league losses, which Arsenal may have been confident of extending.
However, Brugge axed Hayen on Monday and appointed Gent head coach Ivan Leko, who was only hired at their Belgian rivals in the summer and had won eight of his 19 matches in charge there. The Gunners will now face a highly motivated squad aiming to impress a new manager.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is out injured for Club Brugge
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Former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is out injured for Club Brugge
However, Brugge are grappling with an injury crisis that could see up to nine of their players sidelined for Wednesday's match.
Among those currently out of action are both senior goalkeepers, Nordin Jackers and former Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet.
This means Dani van den Heuvel is likely to continue in goal, while long-term injuries will keep Ludovit Reis, Lynnt Audoor and Zaid Romero on the sidelines.
In addition, it appears Jorne Spileers and Mamadou Diakhon won't be facing Arsenal due to illness. Romeo Vermant is undergoing concussion protocols, while Kyriani Sabbe is battling a groin issue.
Despite their challenges, Club Brugge shouldn't be underestimated, especially considering they held Barcelona to a 3-3 draw at Jan Breydel Stadium just last month.
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They currently languish in 26th place in the Champions League standings and have only managed to secure one victory in their five games in the tournament so far.