Arsenal are reportedly sweating over a potential double injury blow after both Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera were forced off the pitch during their Premier League clash with Aston Villa. The Gunners secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Bukayo Saka's 59th-minute goal, but the win was overshadowed by the late substitutions.
Cristhian Mosquera was the first to depart, holding his thigh in the 78th minute. While he was able to walk off without assistance, any muscular problem could potentially sideline him for at least a couple of weeks. This comes as a concern for Arsenal, who have already experienced centre-back injuries this season, with William Saliba expected to be out until at least October due to a back injury.
Just six minutes after Mosquera's exit, Declan Rice limped off, replaced by Martin Zubimendi. The exact nature of Rice's injury is unclear, but following a summer of fitness issues and a strenuous 2025/26 campaign, there are fears for the England international. Rice previously experienced neural pain in his lower back and hamstring at the World Cup. Manager Mikel Arteta is expected to address these concerns after the match.