Out for weeks — Arteta confirms big injury for Arsenal after Aston Villa defeat

Cristhian Mosquera was forced off in the first half of Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League victory over Brentford on Wednesday night after landing awkwardly while contesting a header.

Subsequent scans have revealed the damage is worse than initially feared.

"He’s going to be out for weeks," Arteta stated.

"Unfortunately, it’s much more than what we expected, the way he was feeling. So, he’s going to be out for weeks."

Mosquera was consequently absent from the squad for Arsenal's dramatic 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday, a result that highlighted the club's growing defensive frailties. The Gunners are already without key centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba, leaving Arteta severely short of options.

With the recent injuries, Piero Hincapie stands as the only fit senior central defender. He was partnered by Jurrien Timber, who shifted from his usual right-back position, during the match at Villa Park.

The defensive shortage was so acute that 16-year-old academy prospect Marli Salmon was named on the bench as emergency cover.

Arsenal's defensive woes were compounded when left-back Riccardo Calafiori received his fifth yellow card of the domestic season for a foul on John McGinn.

The booking triggers an automatic one-match suspension, ruling the Italian international out of the upcoming home fixture against Wolves.

While Calafiori will be available for the midweek Champions League clash against Club Brugge in Belgium, his domestic absence means youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly is expected to deputize at left-back for the Wolves game.