Arsenal have been handed a major setback after it was confirmed that William Saliba will be sidelined for three to four weeks with an ankle injury sustained in the defeat to Liverpool last weekend. The French defender was forced off early at Anfield, leaving fans and manager Mikel Arteta concerned about the scale of the problem.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, the centre-back will miss the current international window and is also unlikely to feature for France in the upcoming break. For Arsenal, the news could not come at a worse time, with the Gunners set to enter a demanding run of fixtures in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Saliba’s absence is particularly significant given his influence on Arsenal’s defensive structure. The 23-year-old has been one of Arteta’s most trusted performers, and his composure at the back has often proved the difference in high-pressure games. Losing him, even temporarily, could leave Arsenal vulnerable.
Key Fixtures He Will Miss
Arsenal are bracing themselves for a difficult period without their defensive lynchpin. Saliba is set to miss crucial Premier League clashes against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Newcastle United—fixtures that could prove decisive in shaping the Gunners’ early-season campaign.
Compounding matters, he is also expected to be unavailable for the club’s Champions League opener away to Athletic Bilbao. Arteta’s men will be eager to start strongly in Europe after making their long-awaited return to the competition, but they will have to do so without one of their most reliable defenders.
The timing of the injury comes as Arsenal attempt to close the gap on Manchester City in the title race. While the Gunners showed resilience in parts of last season despite injury setbacks, they will need to demonstrate the same depth and adaptability in the coming weeks.
Mosquera Given Chance to Step Up
With Saliba unavailable, all eyes will be on Cristhian Mosquera, the 21-year-old summer signing from Valencia. The young centre-back was thrown into action against Liverpool following Saliba’s withdrawal and earned plaudits for his calm display despite the difficult circumstances.
Arteta is expected to lean more heavily on Mosquera in the coming weeks, using the injury crisis as an opportunity to accelerate the youngster’s development. While he lacks Saliba’s top-level experience, Mosquera is regarded as a promising talent with the potential to become a long-term fixture at the Emirates.
His performance against elite opponents like Manchester City and Newcastle will be closely scrutinised. Success for Mosquera could not only help Arsenal cope in Saliba’s absence but also strengthen the squad’s depth ahead of a long season.
Growing Injury Concerns at Arsenal
Saliba’s setback adds to an already concerning injury list for the Gunners. Bukayo Saka is sidelined with a hamstring problem that could rule him out for several weeks, depriving Arsenal of their most dangerous attacking outlet. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz is nursing a knee injury, further limiting Arteta’s midfield options.
Ben White and Christian Norgaard have also faced spells on the sidelines, while Gabriel Jesus continues his rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in January. Although the Brazilian forward is edging closer to a return, his absence from Arsenal’s Champions League squad means fans will have to wait longer to see him back in action on the European stage.
The string of injuries has placed Arteta under significant pressure to balance his squad effectively. With multiple competitions on the horizon, Arsenal’s depth will be severely tested in the weeks ahead.
What Lies Ahead for the Gunners
Arsenal’s immediate task will be to regroup quickly ahead of their first game after the international break against Nottingham Forest on September 13. The fixture is seen as a must-win if the Gunners are to maintain momentum in the Premier League despite their injury troubles.
Beyond Forest, the looming test against Manchester City could prove pivotal. Last season, City’s consistency ultimately edged Arsenal in the title race, and Arteta will know that dropping points in these high-stakes matches could have lasting consequences.
The coming month will be a litmus test for Arsenal’s resilience, squad depth, and adaptability. With Saliba out and other stars still recovering, Arteta must find solutions quickly to ensure the Gunners do not lose ground at a critical juncture in the season.
