Arsenal injury update: Latest news and return dates for Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Cristhian Mosquera

Arsenal’s injury and suspension list along with return dates for the match against Aston Villa

The Gunners are still without Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz as their injury woes continue to escalate.

Arsenal is anxious about Declan Rice’s fitness following a hard-fought victory against Brentford on Wednesday.

Goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka helped the Gunners maintain their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League, but the match was overshadowed by concerns regarding the fitness of the key midfielder and centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

The injury issues are piling up for Arsenal, as William Saliba missed his second consecutive game due to a knock he picked up in training last weekend. His centre-back partner Gabriel is also expected to be out for “weeks.”

The absence of both players comes at a particularly challenging time for Arsenal, who face a busy schedule with upcoming matches against Aston Villa, Club Brugge, Wolves, Everton, and Crystal Palace before Christmas.

Here is the latest update on Arsenal’s injuries and expected return dates ahead of the weekend…

Declan Rice

The midfielder was substituted late in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Brentford.

Rice, who has played in 13 of Arsenal’s 14 league matches this season, was replaced by Viktor Gyokeres in the 83rd minute after requiring treatment for a calf issue.

The England international has been a consistent presence for league leaders Arsenal, and his exit adds to Mikel Arteta’s growing injury concerns.

Arteta confirmed post-match that Rice “can walk, [but] cannot play.”

The Gunners manager stated to reporters: “Declan had to come off, we don’t know. We will have to assess him tomorrow.”

However, Rice later reassured Sky Sports upon leaving the Emirates that he was “fine,” which is a significant positive.

Potential return date: Unknown pending further evaluation, possibly Saturday, December 6, against Aston Villa (A)

Cristhian Mosquera

Arsenal’s defensive injury woes may have worsened after Mosquera was taken off in the first half against Brentford.

The Spanish centre-back fell awkwardly while challenging for a header with Kevin Schade and needed treatment on the field before being substituted for Jurrien Timber.

It is still uncertain how serious Mosquera’s injury is, with Arteta informing reporters post-match that “we have to wait and see,” adding: “It’s likely related to the knee or ankle, but we don’t know for sure.

“He couldn’t provide us with a precise description of the issue, but he was unable to continue.”

Potential return date: Unknown pending further assessment

William Saliba

Arsenal supporters were shocked to find Saliba absent when the team sheet was released at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with Arsenal posting on social media: “William Saliba misses out after a knock in training.”

Arteta did not clarify the specific nature of the problem as he spoke to the media before and after the match, but he did mention that the centre-back would receive further evaluation from medical personnel on Monday to assess the situation.

“I believe he has another test scheduled for tomorrow to evaluate the extent of that feeling, that sensation he experienced, and then we’ll have more information,” Arteta stated.

In a subsequent update on Tuesday before the Brentford match, Arteta indicated that Saliba had a minor issue but did not dismiss the possibility of him participating on Wednesday following a final training session before the match.

“He had a slight niggle, so I think it will be a matter of days, so let’s see if he can be available tomorrow,” Arteta remarked.

“The ankle injury earlier in the season was quite unexpected, stemming from an unfortunate incident that sidelined him for several weeks. He attempted to play at Anfield but felt uncomfortable and had to withdraw.

“This situation is also quite strange, but hopefully, it will only take a few days.”

Saliba ultimately did not play against Brentford, so he will aim to return for the match at Villa Park.

Potential return date: Saturday December 6, vs Aston Villa (A)

Gabriel

Saliba’s unexpected absence during the match against Chelsea occurred while Arsenal was already without his usual defensive partner, Gabriel, who is sidelined due to an adductor injury sustained while representing Brazil in a friendly against Senegal at the Emirates last month.

The 27-year-old is anticipated to be out for a duration of several weeks due to this issue, with plans for a follow-up scan to provide a clearer timeline for his recovery.

After the draw with Chelsea, Arteta confirmed that Gabriel would remain unavailable for some time.

“With Gabi, there are still some weeks to go,” he stated.

When discussing Gabriel again on Tuesday, Arteta remarked: “Big Gabi is doing very well as well, but that’s weeks as well.”

Expected return date: December/January

Leandro Trossard

Prior to Rice, Mosquera, and Saliba, the most recent significant addition to Arsenal’s injury list was Leandro Trossard, who exited the field with a muscle issue during the first half of last Wednesday’s notable 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Arteta expressed optimism that the Belgian winger would recover swiftly and be ready to face Chelsea, although he ultimately did not make the squad.

Similar to Saliba, the Arsenal manager indicated on Tuesday that Trossard’s return was also a “matter of days,” suggesting he could return for the match against Aston Villa after missing the win over Brentford.

Expected return date: Saturday, December 6, vs Aston Villa (A)

Kai Havertz

The only long-term injury absence still affecting Arsenal is Kai Havertz, who has not participated since undergoing surgery for a knee injury sustained against Manchester United during the opening weekend of the season.

After missing the match against Bayern Munich, Arteta was hopeful that Havertz, along with fellow forward Gyokeres, could return in some capacity for the game against his former club Chelsea.

However, he was again absent, and Arteta has now confirmed that Havertz is still several weeks away from returning to play following a setback first reported by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann last month.

“In a matter of weeks,” Arteta stated on Tuesday. “Let’s observe how he progresses in the upcoming weeks. He is performing very well, engaging in activities on the pitch, but I believe he requires some time.

“He was accomplishing everything. He couldn’t advance to the next level, and now it appears we have unlocked that potential. We are all eager to have him back.

“I mean, he is a player that I personally admire greatly for what he contributes to the team – his character and personality. I witness his struggles while he is sidelined.

“His playing record is outstanding; he has always been available, and I am looking forward to having him back with the team, playing, because I believe it will provide a significant boost.”

Expected return date: December/January