Arsenal have received an encouraging update on Cristhian Mosquera ahead of Sunday’s clash with Chelsea, although Mikel Arteta is still expected to be without William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.
Mosquera sparked concern when he was forced off during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory at Aston Villa, having gone down away from the ball while appearing to feel the back of his thigh.
Arteta, however, played down fears of a significant injury after the match, saying the defender was “fine” but had felt as though something could develop if he continued.
That gives Mosquera a chance of being available when Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Supporters can find all the broadcast details in our where to watch Arsenal vs Chelsea guide.
🚨UPDATE: MOSQUERA INJURY UPDATE
Mikel Arteta provided an update Mosquera injury issue while speaking to the media after Arsenal 1-0 win against Aston Villa. He has this to say:
"He’s fine, but he was feeling like he was about to have something, and that’s why we have the bench… pic.twitter.com/wRlIbzHold
— Liquid Gooner (@LiquidAy) September 1, 2026
Cristhian Mosquera injury latest
Mosquera started alongside Gabriel Magalhães at Villa Park as Arteta continued to manage his defensive options without Saliba.
The Spaniard helped Arsenal keep another clean sheet before requiring treatment and being replaced by Ezri Konsa.
Arteta explained afterwards:
“He is fine. But he was feeling like he was about to have something.”
The Arsenal manager added that Mosquera could not continue, which prompted Konsa’s introduction. The Standard currently lists Chelsea on September 6 as a potential return date.
That is substantially better news than the sight of Mosquera leaving the pitch initially suggested.
Arsenal’s 1-0 victory at Aston Villa left Arteta’s side with six points and two clean sheets from their opening two league fixtures.
Mosquera has played an important part in that defensive start.
William Saliba remains out
There is less optimism surrounding Saliba.
Arsenal previously confirmed that the France international had suffered a back injury requiring an extended rehabilitation period.
Specialists determined that surgery was not necessary, but there is currently no expectation that Saliba will return for the Chelsea match.
The Standard lists his potential return as winter 2026, although Arsenal have not provided an exact date.
That makes Mosquera’s fitness particularly important.
Arteta strengthened his defensive options by signing Konsa during the summer, and the England international made his Arsenal debut when replacing Mosquera against his former club.
Our Arsenal First Team hub will track Arteta’s defensive options throughout the season.
Jurrien Timber still working towards return
Timber is also unlikely to feature against Chelsea.
The Netherlands international has not played competitively since appearing from the bench in last season’s Champions League final.
A recurring groin problem ruled him out of the World Cup and eventually required minor surgery during the summer.
Arteta said during pre-season that Timber was progressing well and working on the pitch but remained “weeks away” from a full return.
He has still not returned to normal first-team action.
The current expectation is therefore for Arsenal to continue without him on Sunday.
Arsenal’s likely defensive options against Chelsea
If Mosquera is cleared, Arteta still has several possible combinations.
His senior defensive options include:
Ben White
Cristhian Mosquera
Ezri Konsa
Gabriel Magalhães
Piero Hincapié
Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori was particularly impressive at Villa Park, creating Bukayo Saka’s winning goal and earning our highest rating alongside the match-winner in the Read Arsenal player ratings.
Konsa’s arrival also looks increasingly important given the number of unavailable defenders.
Arteta had the luxury of introducing the summer signing late at Villa Park rather than asking an injured Mosquera to finish the match.
Chelsea will test Arsenal’s defensive depth
Sunday represents Arsenal’s toughest league assignment so far.
Chelsea arrive with six points from their opening two matches and a significantly altered midfield following Enzo Fernández’s £125m transfer to Manchester City.
Read Arsenal has already looked at why Chelsea’s deadline-day decisions could give Arsenal a major opportunity.
But Arsenal have their own selection problems to manage.
Saliba remains unavailable.
Timber is still recovering.
And Mosquera now needs to prove his Villa Park issue has settled sufficiently for him to start.
The early indications on the Spaniard are encouraging.
Arteta will hope that remains the case when Arsenal return to training ahead of Sunday’s derby.
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