Cristhian Mosquera
ARS
Center Back
Back Line Anchor
Jun 27, 2004 (22)
Right
6'3"
172 lb
Closing in on return
Mosquera has returned to the training pitch and is closing in on a return from his hamstring injury, as the defender traveled as the spare man with the squad for the match against Brighton before the international break and was always expected to push his way back into contention against Leeds, according to The Standard.
Analysis: Mosquera appears to be nearing the finish line in his recovery after spending roughly a month sidelined with a hamstring injury. His ability to cover both right back and center back gives Arsenal another versatile option across the back line, though he may initially have to settle for a depth role given the competition ahead of him, including Gabriel. His exact role and workload should become clearer once he's fully cleared for match action.
Back in training with Arsenal
Mosquera (hamstring) was involved in his club's training after returning from Valencia ahead of the final week of the international break, per Nathan Ridley of the Mirror.
Analysis: Mosquera is moving forward in his recovery and could be close to making an appearance following a one-month absence. His progress over the coming sessions should offer a clearer indication of whether he can rejoin the matchday squad soon. Once fit, he could serve as a right-back or center-back asset, but his exact role and potential minutes remain unclear with the team now boasting quality defenders such as Gabriel and Ezri Konsa.
Trains with former club during break
Mosquera (hamstring) traveled to Valencia over the international break and was spotted training with his previous team, according to Pau Pardo of Super Deporte.
Analysis: Mosquera has been attempting to build fitness levels so that he's ready to play in the next Premier League match against Leeds United on Oct. 10. Even if that's the case, it's unclear how much of a role he'll play now that the Gunners have solid center-back options in Gabriel and Ezri Konsa. In any case, Mosquera could rack up plenty of passes and some defensive stats as soon as he's back on the field, having been productive in those aspects over the first couple of games of the season.
Ruled out against Brighton
Mosquera (hamstring) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Brighton.
Analysis: Mosquera has been unable to pass his late fitness test despite coach Mikel Arteta expressing optimism after confirming he would be assessed in one final session following his absence from the last four matches across all competitions since August 31. The hamstring injury has proven too stubborn to clear in time for the Brighton fixture, leaving Arsenal without the defensive option ahead of the international break. His availability for the coming fixtures will be monitored closely, with Arteta having made clear his willingness to play him as soon as he is deemed fully ready.
Late call against Brighton
Mosquera (hamstring) is a late call for Saturday's clash against Brighton, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Yes, we have another session; they are all willing to be part of it, and we have another session to try to make sure they are fit."
Analysis: Mosquera has missed the last four matches across all competitions while nursing a hamstring injury, including Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Ipswich Town, and had not appeared in a matchday squad since August 31 against Aston Villa. His likely return now offers manager Arteta another option in defense as Arsenal heads into the international break.
Sidelined for EFL Cup
Mosquera (hamstring) isn't in the squad for Tuesday's EFL Cup match against Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Mosquera will miss a fourth straight contest while nursing a hamstring injury. Although he's been deemed close to returning, he hasn't been in a matchday squad since the Aug. 31 match against Aston Villa. His next chance to play will come against Brighton on Saturday in the Premier League before the international break.
Misses third straight
Mosquera (hamstring) is still unavailable and is not with the squad for Saturday's game against Sunderland.
Analysis: Mosquera will miss another game after picking up a muscular issue against Aston Villa on Aug. 31. He had been hoping to return this weekend after head coach Unai Emery said he was doing well, but he remains sidelined, with Ezri Konsa continuing in his place. His next opportunity to feature will come in Tuesday's midweek cup match against Ipswich.
Doing really well, could return soon
Mosquera (hamstring) is doing really well and could return in one of the next two games, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "[Cristhian's] doing really well. Let's see if he can get [back] for this game or the next one."
Analysis: Mosquera could feature in one of Arsenal's next two matches, with the first chance coming Saturday against Sunderland and the next against Brighton on Sept. 19. He had missed the Champions League opener at Napoli after remaining in England, an absence tied to the muscular issue picked up against Aston Villa on August 31, and Ezri Konsa has stepped in alongside Gabriel in the meantime, earning strong praise from coach Arteta and positioning himself to retain the role even once Mosquera returns.
Will 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.
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