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What William Saliba did right after Cristhian Mosquera got injured highlights Arsenal’s biggest problem

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Arsenal’s luck with injuries went from bad to worse against Brentford.

The Gunners already had players like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz unavailable for the game, and two others may have joined them.

Cristhian Mosquera hobbled off the pitch due to a knee injury, while Arsenal’s most important player, Declan Rice, also suffered a calf issue.

This is a big problem for the Gunners, and Saliba’s reaction to Mosquera getting injured said exactly that.

Cristhian Mosquera suffers an injury against Brentford! 🤕

Cristhian Mosquera of Arsenal is substituted off for Jurrien Timber after appearing to pick up an injuring during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium
Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Who should replace Mosquera in Arsenal’s defence against Aston Villa? Let us know your pick in the comments!

William Saliba’s reaction to Cristhian Mosquera’s injury shows Arsenal’s big problem

Arsenal‘s luck with injuries has been awful for over a year now.

The Gunners’ 2024/25 season was damaged because of all the fitness issues they had, and that hasn’t changed since the start of this campaign either.

Mikel Arteta is yet to have a fully fit squad available at his disposal this term, and every time one player returns, another seems to be getting injured.

The players must be really upset with this as well – Saliba definitely is.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes looking on before an Arsenal game
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The Frenchman was having a good time sitting behind the bench and was often seen laughing. However, after seeing Mosquera get injured and walk off the pitch, Saliba’s expression changed.

He was seen shaking his head in disappointment.

That is not a good sign at all, as having so many injuries to players must take a toll mentally as Arsenal chase the Premier League and the Champions League.

Saliba must have been thinking that he will need to make himself available for the clash against Aston Villa on Saturday. That added pressure while recovering from his own injury is a concern.

This is how long Cristhian Mosquera could be out for after his injury!

Arsenal should not rush William Saliba back from injury

Before the Brentford game, Arteta revealed that Saliba’s return is only a ‘matter of days’, so he should be close to coming back into the side.

Mosquera’s absence increases the need for the Frenchman to return, but Arsenal should take no chances.

Jurrien Timber did really well as a central defender after coming on against the Bees, while Ben White produced a Man of the Match display at right-back.

That shows Arsenal have enough cover, so Saliba should not be rushed back under any circumstances.