Arsenal’s injury picture has developed again during the international break, with Kai Havertz returning to London for treatment and Cristhian Mosquera taking another significant step towards his comeback.
Havertz has withdrawn from Germany duty after scans confirmed a muscle strain suffered against the Netherlands, while Mosquera has entered the final phase of his rehabilitation from the muscular injury that has kept him out since the victory at Aston Villa.
William Saliba remains on a longer recovery programme with December now emerging as a potential return window, while Ben White continues working back from his groin issue.
With Arsenal not back in Premier League action until Leeds United visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 10 October, here is the latest squad fitness picture.
Kai Havertz returns to Arsenal with muscle strain
Injury: Muscle strain
Status: Out of Germany squad
Return date: Not confirmed
Kai Havertz has returned to Arsenal after being forced off during Germany’s 1-1 Nations League draw with the Netherlands.
The forward lasted only 30 minutes before being replaced after suffering discomfort in the back of his leg.
Reuters reports that scans confirmed a muscle strain, with Havertz subsequently leaving the Germany camp to return to London for treatment.
There is not yet a confirmed length of absence.
That means Arsenal must wait for further assessment before knowing whether Havertz will be available when the Premier League resumes against Leeds.
Read Arsenal is tracking the situation in our dedicated Kai Havertz injury update.
The international break at least gives the 27-year-old more than two weeks before Arsenal’s next competitive match.
Cristhian Mosquera enters final stage of recovery
Injury: Muscular
Status: Final phase of rehabilitation
Potential return: October
There has been encouraging progress for Cristhian Mosquera.
The Arsenal defender spent Thursday training individually at Valencia’s Paterna training complex while visiting his former club during the international break.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Mosquera worked alongside a rehabilitation specialist as he continues his comeback from the muscular problem suffered against Aston Villa.
More significantly, À Punt describes the 22-year-old as being in the final phase of his recovery.
Mosquera explained that Arsenal and Valencia had allowed him to use the facilities for a brief individual session while he was in the city.
That represents his clearest progress since the setback.
Arsenal have not announced an exact return date, so the Leeds fixture should not yet be treated as confirmed.
However, with the defender now in the latter stages of rehabilitation and Arsenal not playing again until 10 October, a return during October is becoming increasingly realistic.
William Saliba targeting December return
Injury: Back
Status: Rehabilitation
Potential return: December 2026
William Saliba remains Arsenal’s most significant long-term defensive absentee.
Fresh reporting from Fabrice Hawkins suggests the France international could return to competitive action in December if his rehabilitation continues without complications.
Sports View reports that December is now considered a possible comeback window.
That remains a target rather than a firm date.
Arsenal have been deliberately cautious with Saliba after the back problem that has kept him out throughout the opening weeks of the season.
His eventual return would provide Mikel Arteta with a major boost ahead of the demanding festive schedule.
Ben White continues groin recovery
Injury: Groin
Status: Recovering
Return date: Not confirmed
Ben White remains at London Colney as he continues recovering from the groin problem suffered during Arsenal’s victory at Sunderland.
The defender subsequently missed the Carabao Cup win over Ipswich and the Premier League defeat at Brighton.
Arteta had initially been optimistic after White returned to training, but he was ultimately unavailable at the Amex Stadium.
There has been no fresh setback reported during the international break.
The extended gap before Leeds gives White additional time to work with Arsenal’s medical staff, although there is still no confirmed date for his return.
Arsenal injury table
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Player Injury Status Potential return
Kai Havertz Muscle strain Returned to Arsenal for treatment Unknown
William Saliba Back Rehabilitation December target
Cristhian Mosquera Muscular Final phase of rehabilitation October possible
Ben White Groin Recovering Unknown
Piero Hincapié Muscular Recovering After international break possible
Arsenal could receive major fitness boost before Leeds
The international break has created problems through Havertz’s injury, but it has also given Arteta’s existing absentees valuable recovery time.
Mosquera’s progress is particularly encouraging.
Arsenal entered the break without him, White and Saliba, while Hincapié has also been managing a fitness issue.
If Mosquera and White are able to return before Leeds, Arteta’s defensive options would look considerably healthier even with Saliba still unavailable.
Havertz is now the player requiring the closest short-term monitoring.
Arsenal should receive a clearer indication of his recovery timeline once the forward has undergone further assessment in London.
This page will continue to be updated throughout the international break as Arsenal provide new injury and return information.
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