Arsenal duo set to return from injury after international break Arsenal injury update after Brighton defeat as Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and William Saliba edge towards returns Arsenal go into the international break with a problem and a bit of relief. The problem is obvious, Brighton beat them 3-0, ended the seven-match winning start and did it by being sharper, stronger and better organised. The relief is that the break has landed at a useful time, because Mikel Arteta may get defenders back before the fixture list tightens again. There is no point dressing up the performance at the Amex. Arsenal were second best. They lost duels, lost control and looked short in key defensive areas once the game got away from them. That matters, because the injuries are concentrated at the back and the margin for error shrinks quickly when the schedule hardens. The next league game is at home to Leeds on October 10. By then, Arsenal will hope that Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are available, while William Saliba remains a longer-term case. Ben White latest on Arsenal return White has been out since suffering a groin problem in the 2-0 win over Sunderland on September 12. He then missed the cup tie against Ipswich and was absent again for the Brighton defeat, despite some optimism before kick-off. Photo IMAGO Arteta had said, “Ben is all good, we have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody,” but White did not make the squad. That left Arsenal improvising, with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi sharing right-back duties after Jurrien Timber went off in the second half. That is the sort of workaround you accept for one match, not a run of them. White’s likely return after the break would bring some order back to the defensive structure and reduce the need for square pegs in awkward places. Based on the noises around his condition, Leeds looks realistic. Potential return date: October 10 vs Leeds. Cristhian Mosquera recovery picture Mosquera has missed Arsenal’s last five matches in all competitions after going off in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa on August 31. He was seen in his tracksuit before the Brighton match and watched the warm-up from the touchline, a small detail, but usually a sign that a player is not far away. His issue has been described as a muscle problem, and the timing of the break helps him more than anyone. Arsenal do not play for nearly three weeks, which gives him a proper chance to recover without being rushed. For a side that suddenly looks thin in defence, that matters. Photo IMAGO If Mosquera is fit for Leeds, Arteta gets another genuine option at the back and, more importantly, some flexibility. Right now, Arsenal need bodies as much as they need quality. Potential return date: October 10 vs Leeds. William Saliba remains longer-term absence Saliba is the bigger issue. He has been out since July with a back injury and Arsenal are still looking at a slower process. The encouraging part is that surgery is not required. The less encouraging part is that back injuries are rarely straightforward and the club is clearly being cautious. Photo IMAGO The club said in July: “Specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation. “Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.
“William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.” He has been included in the Champions League squad, which tells you Arsenal expect him back this season. It does not tell you it will be soon. November has been mentioned as a possible point for progress, but for now the sensible reading is simple, Arsenal cannot plan on him in the short term. Defensive depth now defines next phase Jurrien Timber starting and Piero Hincapie returning to the bench offered some encouragement, but Arsenal still need White and Mosquera back quickly. The Brighton defeat exposed how fragile a winning run can look once the back line starts getting stretched. Leeds at home is the next target. Arsenal need a response, and they need reinforcements to deliver it.
