Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are ready to dip into the January transfer market if the opportunity arises, given his side's worsening injury problems.

Cristhian Mosquera was forced off in the 2-0 win over Brentford in midweek, which put the Gunners five points clear at the top of the Premier League, with the Spaniard joining defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes on the treatment table.  

Declan Rice also hobbled off and is another doubt for the trip to Aston Villa.

Arsenal spent big in the summer on the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, but Arteta is ready for further business in January.

"We always have to be prepared," said Arteta.

"The moment that we have an option to touch the squad, to improve the squad or to protect the squad, depending on what happens, I think we need to be open for it.

"From what is going to happen from here until the window is closed as well, is football.

“So, we don't know but we're certainly going to be on alert and we know where the risk can come in terms of the squad and be ready just in case we have to do something."

Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard and Madueke have already suffered injuries during the campaign, but the trio have now returned to action, as Arsenal continue their quest for a first Premier League title since 2004.

Arsenal face Villa in the early kick-off on Saturday, having played against Brentford less than three days earlier, and Arteta would like the schedule to be relaxed in order to help his players recover properly.

He said: "The only thing I can say is that whenever it's possible to help and give the players an extra day or hours to fulfil the maximum potential, let's do it.

"That's it. We are ready for the game, that's for sure."