Cristhian Mosquera Makes Shock Arsenal Return Days After Arteta Injury Warning

Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera return in matchday squad just days after Mikel Arteta said he was weeks away.

Cristhian Mosquera return stunned fans as the Arsenal defender was named in the matchday squad for the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest — just four days after Mikel Arteta suggested he would be sidelined for “a few weeks.”

The unexpected development offers a timely boost for Arsenal, who have faced mounting defensive pressure during a demanding run of fixtures.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

Mosquera, 21, joined Arsenal from Valencia in the summer of 2025 in a deal worth around £25 million. He has not featured since early December after suffering what the club described as a “complicated” ankle injury during a 2-0 win over Brentford.

Initial medical assessments pointed toward a recovery window of six to eight weeks. Arteta reinforced that view at the time, admitting the setback was more severe than first feared.

Further examinations appeared to push Mosquera’s expected return toward late January or early February.

Arteta’s Comments Made Return Seem Unlikely

As recently as January 13, Arteta grouped Mosquera’s recovery with that of academy prospect Max Dowman, who sustained a similar ankle issue.

The Arsenal boss stated that both players were progressing well but remained weeks away from returning to training — comments that strongly suggested Mosquera was nowhere near match readiness.

That context makes his inclusion in the travelling squad to the City Ground all the more surprising.

Mosquera’s rapid comeback arrives at a crucial moment. Arsenal remain without Riccardo Calafiori due to a muscular problem, while Piero Hincapie is sidelined with a groin injury.

Although Mosquera was named among the substitutes, his availability alone gives Arteta valuable defensive depth should problems arise during the match.

Arsenal’s starting back line featured David Raya in goal, with Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Jurrien Timber across defence.

Arteta and Injury Information Gamesmanship

The situation has revived debate around Arteta’s handling of injury updates. The Arsenal manager has previously admitted he sometimes withholds full clarity to avoid giving opponents an advantage.

Arteta has insisted he never deliberately misleads but accepts that strategic ambiguity forms part of elite-level management.

Whether Mosquera’s return reflects tactical secrecy or a remarkably fast recovery remains unclear.

Mosquera impressed earlier this season when covering for senior defenders and quickly earned trust within the squad. His composure, positioning, and aerial strength made him a reliable option during rotation periods.

As Arsenal continue their push at the top of the Premier League table, every available body matters. Mosquera’s return strengthens squad resilience at a critical stage of the campaign.

If he avoids setbacks, his comeback could prove quietly significant in the title run-in.

Want more Arsenal updates? Visit our homepage.