Sun Nov 30 16:30:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Arsenal defender William Saliba unexpectedly missed the high-profile Premier League match against Chelsea due to a “knock in training.” This absence, along with that of his usual partner Gabriel, forced Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to field an inexperienced central defensive pairing of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié. The article highlights the rarity of Arsenal playing without either Saliba or Gabriel in the starting lineup, emphasizing the importance of the duo to the team’s defensive stability. It also mentions the previous Carabao Cup match where Mosquera and Hincapié played together, noting Arsenal’s defensive vulnerabilities in that game.

News Article:

Saliba Injury Forces Arsenal to Field Unfamiliar Defence Against Chelsea

LONDON – Arsenal were dealt a blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Chelsea as key defender William Saliba was ruled out due to a “knock in training.” The sudden absence of the French international, who has been a mainstay in the Arsenal defence, forced manager Mikel Arteta to reshuffle his backline.

Adding to the defensive woes, Saliba’s regular partner Gabriel also missed the match, leading to a rare start for the inexperienced duo of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié in central defence. This marks a significant departure from Arsenal’s recent history, as either Saliba or Gabriel has been in the starting XI for the vast majority of Premier League games since August 2021.

While Mosquera and Hincapié featured together in a Carabao Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in the season, that game exposed some defensive vulnerabilities. Concerns are mounting about the team’s ability to maintain its defensive solidity against a strong Chelsea attack. The outcome of this match could greatly depend on how well this untested partnership can hold the line.

Read More