Spotted: Arsenal handed new injury boost as imminent return beckons

Cristhian Mosquera travelled with Arsenal for their Premier League clash with Brighton, despite not being named in the matchday squad.

The defender has been out of action since he was forced off in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa last month.

Mosquera has missed Arsenal's last five matches across all competitions, including Saturday's trip to the Amex Stadium to take on the Seagulls.

However, Mosquera is believed to be closing in on a return from his muscle injury.

He was not named in the matchday squad to face Brighton, but he did travel with the side and arrived at the stadium in his tracksuit with his team-mates.

Mosquera then watched the warm-ups from the touchline, as the extra man often does for the Gunners.

Arsenal are now not in action for three weeks due to the extended international break and that should give Mosquera a chance to fully recover.

Return looming: Cristhian Mosquera’s shirt in the Arsenal dressing room at the Amex Stadium Getty His appearance at the Amex suggests he will be in contention when Arsenal are next in action, at home to Leeds on October 10.

With Mosquera still out, Arsenal are somewhat light of options in defence, particularly at right-back.

Ben White also missed the Brighton match with a groin injury, meaning Jurrien Timber was required to make his first start since mid-March.

Piero Hincapie is the only defender on the bench, though Myles Lewis-Skelly can fill in if required at left-back and Martin Zubimendi started at right-back against Ipswich in the Carabao Cup in midweek.