Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update on four Arsenal players ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes of Arsenal greet each other after the Premier League 2026/27 ma
Bruno Guimaraes has picked up an issue. (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Cristhian Mosquera's hamstring problem was largely a "precaution", while Jurrien Timber edges closer to a long-awaited return to action in a significant boost for the north London club. Mosquera featured from the start in Monday night's 1-0 triumph at Aston Villa before being substituted by Ezri Konsa, with Arteta confirming the Spanish defender remains under assessment.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's home clash with Chelsea, he said: "It was more precaution than anything else, so we will have to see how he feels." Meanwhile, full-back Timber is yet to feature this season, having undergone a minor groin procedure during the summer.
However, the Dutchman was spotted in light training on Thursday, and Arteta has now suggested he has an outside chance of forcing his way into the squad this weekend, explaining: "Yeah he is in really good condition at the moment. He is in a good place."
There are concerns surrounding Bruno Guimaraes, however, after the midfielder picked up another knock against Villa, though Arteta remains hopeful he will be fit in time.
The Brazilian also missed the opening 3-0 victory over Coventry City after sustaining a problem during the Community Shield demolition of Manchester City.
Arteta added: "He had a knock against Villa and he is being assessed. Hopefully tomorrow he will be okay for training."
Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Neither Mosquera nor Guimaraes were spotted amongst those training at London Colney on Thursday. Meanwhile, centre-back William Saliba was included in Arsenal's 25-man Premier League squad and Champions League squad respectively.
Cristhian Mosquera was forced off against Aston Villa
Cristhian Mosquera was forced off against Aston Villa (Image: Getty)
This has raised hopes that the Frenchman could return before January, when squads are resubmitted, as he continues to recover from the serious back problem he sustained at the World Cup.
When pressed for an update, Arteta said: "Yeah we don't know how many weeks he will be out. The progression has been really positive but we need to wait and see how to see how he puts some load into it."
Arsenal and Chelsea are amongst just four Premier League clubs to have claimed maximum points from both of their matches so far this campaign.
The two sides faced each other on four occasions across all competitions last season, with the Gunners claiming victory in three of those encounters and drawing the remaining fixture.
Chelsea (H) - September 6
Chelsea (H) - September 6
Chelsea (H) - September 6