Mosquera, Timber, Guimaraes - Arsenal injury latest and return dates before Chelsea clash
Mikel Arteta offered several updates on Arsenal's squad(Image: YouTube/Hayters)
Mikel Arteta has delivered injury updates for Arsenal aces Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber, Bruno Guimaraes and William Saliba. The toughest test of the Gunners' Premier League title defence so far takes place this Sunday at home to Chelsea.
The Gunners followed up their 3-0 home victory over Coventry City with a narrow 1-0 away win over Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso's side have been free-scoring, overcoming Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage and beating Brighton and Hove Albion 4-2 at Stamford Bridge.
There are going to be some absentees for Arteta, who is already having to navigate some frustrating injuries. Here is the latest updates, including potential return dates, on Arsenal's stars.
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Timber was back in light training(Image: 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
Arteta has said Timber is closing in on a return to the squad. He is yet to kick a ball for the Gunners this season after undergoing a minor procedure on his groin.
However, he was pictured taking part in light training on Thursday. Arteta even said he may be included in the squad to face Chelsea, saying: "Yeah, he's in really good condition at the moment. As I said, he's been now a few weeks on the pitch and he's been training with us now, so he's in a good place."
Potential return date: September 9, vs Napoli in the Champions League
Guimaraes is a doubt to face Chelsea(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
The £75m man may be a huge absentee for the Gunners this weekend. He picked up a knock in his debut against Coventry City, but featured in the victory over Villa.
Arteta has since stated the Brazilian also suffered a slight injury in the Midlands. The Spaniard said: "Yeah, he had a knock against Villa in the previous game and he's been assessed. Hopefully tomorrow he will be okay for training."
Potential return date: September 9, vs Napoli in the Champions League
Mosquera was not pictured training at London Colney(Image: 2026 Allstar)
Mosquera was not seen training at London Colney this week. The Colombian was brought off during the clash against Villa.
However, Arteta said this was only to stay on the safe side and suggested there's a chance he will feature against the Blues. Arteta said: "He was more a precaution than anything else, so we'll have to see tomorrow in the session how he feels."
Potential return date: September 6, vs Chelsea in the Premier League
Saliba has not kicked a ball since the World Cup(Image: ©Icon Sportswire)
For Saliba, Arsenal fans still have a while to wait before he is on the pitch again. The Frenchman was named in the Champions League squad, suggesting he could return during this half of the campaign.
When asked if his inclusion is a sign of encouragement, Arteta said: "Yes, we don't really know the amount of weeks he's going to be out because it's about a healing process in the beginning, it's a bit different.
"We know that we have to respect certain timings. The progression has been really positive in the last few weeks, but we need to wait and see how that one reaction will start to put a lot into it."
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