Cristhian Mosquera
ARS
CB
Back Line Anchor
Jun 27, 2004 (22)
Right
6'3"
172 lb
ArsenalWill not travel to Napoli
Mosquera (hamstring) did not travel with Arsenal's squad for Wednesday's Champions League opener at Napoli, according to football london.
Analysis: Mosquera will miss a second consecutive match after remaining in England for Wednesday's trip to Napoli, with his absence already expected after he missed the final training session. The muscular issue picked up at Aston Villa on Aug. 31 is not considered serious by coach Mikel Arteta, but the manager has avoided putting a timeline on his return. Ezri Konsa has stepped in alongside Gabriel and earned strong praise from Arteta after completing the full 90 minutes against Chelsea, leaving him well placed to retain the role even once Mosquera is back available.
Continues recovery from muscle issue
Mosquera (hamstring) is still questionable for upcoming action as his fitness is monitored day to day, with coach Mikel Arteta stating "He had a muscular issue, and we think it's not too much. But we need to wait and see the next few days for how it evolves".
Analysis: Mosquera's problem is considered a minor injury, but it remains unclear whether he'll be able to play in the midweek Champions League visit to Napoli, with the defender perhaps not ready for a full workload in that contest. Summer signing Ezri Konsa has stepped into a center-back spot in recent games, and that will likely remain the case at least until either Mosquera or William Saliba (back) returns to contention.
Ruled out against Chelsea
Mosquera is out for Sunday's Premier League clash against Chelsea after failing to recover from the issue that forced him off against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Mosquera's problem was initially considered precautionary, but he hasn't recovered sufficiently to make the squad Sunday. His absence further limits Arsenal's options at center-back with William Saliba also sidelined, leaving Ezri Konsa to start alongside Gabriel in central defense. Konsa's experience should provide some stability at the back while Mosquera works toward a return.
Facing late fitness check
Mosquera is being assessed ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Chelsea after being withdrawn against Aston Villa as a precaution, according to coach Mikel Arteta, per James Olley. "It was more precautionary more than anything else, so we will have to see tomorrow how he feels."
Analysis: Mosquera's withdrawal against Aston Villa appears to have been precautionary, but his availability for Sunday will depend on how he responds in training Saturday. If he's unable to start against Chelsea, Ezri Konsa would be the leading candidate to step into central defense, especially with William Saliba still sidelined.
Precautionary substitution
Mosquera exited Monday's 1-0 victory against Aston Villa as a precaution, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "He's fine, but he was feeling like he was about to have something, and that's why we have the bench that we have, and that's why we had to bring Ezri in."
Analysis: Mosquera exited Monday's match against Villa in the 79th minute with an apparent hamstring issue. Manager Mikel Arteta's comments suggest the substitution was precautionary given the sensation Mosquera felt, and his status will be worth confirming further as Arsenal continues managing a defense already missing William Saliba (back). Ezri Konsa is expected to hold a larger role with his new club in the coming fixtures.
Departs with injury
Mosquera exited Monday's game against Villa with an apparent hamstring injury.
Analysis: Mosquera left the game in the 79th minute with a muscular problem and was replaced by Ezri Konsa. This couldn't have come at a worse time for Arsenal, as the Gunners are also missing William Saliba (back). Konsa and Piero Hincapie should be in line for more minutes if Mosquera is forced to miss time.
Busy in opener
Mosquera had five clearances and one interception in Friday's 3-0 win versus Coventry City.
Analysis: Mosquera had plenty to do defensively throughout the season opener. He made five clearances and added an interception for the clean sheet. The defender was a major contributor throughout the match and a big part of the team. He seems set for a big role in the starting XI this season, though Arsenal have been linked to some more defenders in transfer talks.
Positive preseason
Mosquera had a positive showing in recent preseason matches, gaining more trust working into the defensive line.
Analysis: Mosquera has had a positive start to the 2026-27 season, starting all three preseason matches so far. The 22-year-old was a reliable defensive player for Arsenal this past season, tallying multiple clearances per match and proving to be a strong force in the back line. The defender has been playing as a direct substitute for WIlliam Saliba, however since he got hurt in the World Cup (back injury), Mosquera has been getting more opportunities to showcase his defensive talents. It can be expected that Mosquera will continue to be a strong addition to the back line, possibly getting more minutes and opportunities due to Salibas injury.
Solid substitute appearance
Mosquera generated one tackle (zero won) and one clearance in Sunday's 1-0 victory over West Ham United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 79th minute.
Analysis: Mosquera came on at halftime in Sunday's 1-0 win at West Ham, operating at right-back due to Ben White's injury, and was tested in the second half as West Ham grew into the match and forced David Raya into a decisive save against Mateus Fernandes. Mosquera has made 18 Premier League appearances this season since joining from Valencia last summer, establishing himself as a reliable and technically assured option in Mikel Arteta's backline at just 21 years old.
Keeps UCL clean sheet
Mosquera had two clearances and kept a clean sheet in Wednesday's 0-0 draw versus Sporting CP.
Analysis: Mosquera made his first start at right back this season Wednesday, filling in for the injured Jurrien Timber (undisclosed) in the crucial fixture. He did his job well as he kept a clean sheet and helped keep Sporting to just one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes, making two clearances in the process. If Timber is unable to go again Sunday at Manchester City, Mosquera could be asked to fill in again in another massive contest.
Plays 75 Tuesday
Mosquera started and played 75 minutes in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Inter Milan despite another few weeks expected to be absent, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "[He was] supposed to be another two weeks before coming back, but the medical staff and the sports scientists, they've done incredibly well with him to work every single hour to give him the chance to play. Today he had to play against top strikers, I think he's done an incredible job."
Analysis: Mosquera returned to the team sheet Tuesday and featured for Arsenal after some time out, actually starting after going unused off the bench in the last outing. This ends over a month-long absence as he will now start to build up minutes again, more of a rotational option for the club. He has only started in seven of his 15 appearances, and is likely to remain a backup behind Gabriel and William Saliba.
Available off bench Saturday
Mosquera (ankle) was an unused substitute in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest, confirming he is an option moving forward for Arsenal.
Analysis: Mosquera cleared the ankle injury that he suffered against Brentford in early December since he was available off bench against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Mosquera has been mainly a bench option for the Gunners this season, starting in the backline when Gabriel or William Saliba were missing due to injuries but is expected to be only a rotational player in the second part of the season if everyone is fit.
Still a few weeks away
Mosquera (ankle) is still a few weeks from recovering from his injury, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "(Max) is very similar to Mosquera. Very similar injuries, very similar time frames. Both evolving really well, but they're not training yet, so they're still a few weeks away."
Analysis: Mosquera was nearing a return to play but is still going to need some time, a few weeks away from being fit. That said, he is still yet to train, needing to take the field first before thinking of a return. A return nearing the start of February appears to be the most likely.
Nearing return
Mosquera (ankle) is nearing a return to play and could be on the decks for a return in the next few games, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "No, they are out again. I think pretty soon, they have to go to the last stage of the rehab, and if everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection."
Analysis: Mosquera has been out for around a month with his ankle injury and is still going to remain out a few more games, as he works on his recovery. However, the defender is nearing the final stages of rehabilitation, likely to eye a potential return by the end of January. The return of the defender will mean their defensive department is finally at full fitness again, something that hasn't taken place in a a bit for the club, likely to serve a rotational role once healthy.
Confirmed to miss weeks
Mosquera (ankle) is out for weeks due to his injury, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "He's going to be out for weeks, unfortunately, it's much more than what we expected. But the player was feeling it, so he's going to be out for weeks."
Analysis: Mosquera was likely to be missing weeks, and that has been confirmed by his manager, with the defender likely unavailable for at least the next month. This continues the issues in the defense for his club, already without William Saliba (undisclosed) and Gabriel (thigh). He will start eyeing a return in January, likely to be the last of the defenders to regain fitness and return to a rotational role once fit.
Could miss up to six weeks
Mosquera (ankle) is feared to be missing for at least six weeks of action due to his injury, according to Sami Mokbel of the BBC.
Analysis: Mosquera looks to be seeing the worst of his ankle injury after going down in the club's last contest, as the defender could now miss at least six weeks of action. However, he is still set for further testing and assessment, possibly having this return adjusted a bit. The club is already without Gabriel (thigh) long-term and will not have to sweat and hope for the return of William Saliba (undisclosed) in their coming games, as the club is low on center-back options, possibly turning to Jurrien Timber or Ben White if all three miss out.
Dealing with ankle injury
Mosquera suffered an ankle injury in Wednesday's win against Brentford and still needs to undergo tests, making him a doubt for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa, coach Mikel Arteta said in the press conference. "That's the more complicated one, but again, we have another test today to see where we are with them. We need to know, because the feeling that we had after the game and yesterday, we need to corroborate with what happens with all the testing that we do today."
Analysis: Mosquera still needs to be assessed following the ankle injury he suffered in Wednesday's win against the Bees. The center-back is a big doubt for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa and this is bad news for the Gunners since William Saliba (undisclosed) is a late call as well for the game and Gabriel (thigh) out with an injury. If the three of them are out against the Villains, Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie could pair in the central defense for that game.
Needs to be assessed
Mosquera (undisclosed) suffered an injury in Wednesday's 2-0 win against Brentford and will need to be assessed since he couldn't tell the staff what he had, coach Mikel Arteta said in a press conference. "We have to wait and see. It's probably the knee or ankle. We don't know. He could not really tell us exactly how it was, but he wasn't able to continue."
Analysis: Mosquera suffered an injury in Wednesday's victory against the Bees, likely to his knee or ankle, but will have to be assessed in the coming hours since he couldn't tell the medical staff what he had specifically. The center-back couldn't carry on and was replaced by Jurrien Timber. Arsenal will hope that his injury is minor since they are already missing Gabriel (thigh) and William Saliba (undisclosed) is still a doubt. If all three were to miss the game against Aston Villa on Saturday, Ben White could be the likely option to play in central defense.
Injured against Brentford
Mosquera was forced off with an apparent injury during the first half of Wednesday's clash with Brentford.
Analysis: Mosquera was forced off during the first half Wednesday, making it to the 44th minute before being brought off in favor of Jurien Timber. It's not clear what the injury was for Mosquera, but he's been a key depth option so any sort of injury would be a big blow. With William Saliba also out Arsenal are down two of their top center-back options.
Reliable depth option
Mosquera has featured in all but two of Arsenal's seven Premier League matches this season, starting three times.
Analysis: The center-back joined the Gunners from Valencia during the summer transfer window and has done a decent job when called upon duty, racking up eight clearances, five interceptions, eight tackles and two blocked shots. However, he's not expected to see heavy minutes as long as William Saliba and Gabriel remain healthy, and he's set to fight for backup minutes with Piero Hincapie (groin).
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