Arsenal's centre-back ordeal: Mosquera out for six weeks, Hincapie remains 'last man standing'

At one point throughout the previous season - somewhere around February - Mikel Arteta had no strikers at his disposal. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were sidelined, while even the alternative solutions, such as Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard, were unavailable.

The Spaniard then "reinvented" Mikel Merino as a striker, and the club still benefits from that decision, as the ex-Real Sociedad man recorded a goal and an assist just days ago in a 2-0 win over Brentford.

Merino scores, Merino assists, and most importantly - Arsenal win

However, even though Jesus and Havertz are still out, Arteta's offensive troubles are long gone. Now, he has a new problem to deal with, as Arsenal's centre-backs are getting sidelined one after another.

It all started with William Saliba. Then the Frenchman returned, but Gabriel Magalhaes picked up a hamstring injury. And then Saliba joined him in the Gunners' "hospital."

Six days ago, in a derby against Chelsea, Arteta was forced to start Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie as a centre-back tandem for the first time, and the two did a pretty decent job. Three days later, the duo was in the XI again against Brentford, but their cooperation lasted for less than 45 minutes, as Mosquera got injured, leaving Hincapie the only healthy centre-back in Arteta's squad and giving the manager a massive headache!

Therefore, ahead of the Gunners' clash against Aston Villa today (15.30), their defensive situation is critical.

Hincapie will undoubtedly be one of the central defenders, but who'll be the other one?

In the pre-match press conference, Arteta hinted at Saliba's return, though it's still a long shot.

Arsenal shop at Caicedo's academy

"He had a little niggle, so I think it's going to be a matter of days, so let's see if he's able to be there tomorrow," the strategist stated via Daily Mail.

If the Frenchman remains unavailable, one of the right-backs, Jurrien Timber or Ben White, will have to join Hincapie in the centre of the defence and fight fierce battles with the Villans' "attacking beasts" Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen, Morgan Rogers, and Co.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 15

Saturday

15.30: (4.00) Aston Villa (3.45) Arsenal (1.95)

18.00: (3.30) Bournemouth (3.70) Chelsea (2.20)

18.00: (2.25) Everton (3.35) Nott.Forest (3.50)

18.00: (1.28) Man.City (6.75) Sunderland (10.5)

18.00: (1.30) Newcastle (5.50) Burnley (10.0)

18.00: (2.35) Tottenham (3.40) Brentford (3.00)

20.30: (4.20) Leeds (4.00) Liverpool (1.85)

Sunday

17.00: (1.60) Brighton (4.35) West Ham (5.70)

19.30: (2.55) Fulham (3.25) Crystal Palace (2.85)

Monday

23.00: (4.60) Wolverhampton (3.60) Man.Utd. (1.80)

***odds are subject to change***