Arsenal have been dealt a fresh injury worry just as fitness issues were beginning to clear for Mikel Arteta. Ezri Konsa was forced off in the second half of the Champions League win over Slavia Prague, while William Saliba was named in the matchday squad for the first time after recovering from a back injury.
Konsa Substitution Raises Concerns
Konsa started alongside Gabriel against Slavia Prague but was withdrawn in the second half with what Arteta described as “some issues.” In the first half, Konsa was seen feeling his knee, and Arteta confirmed the substitution was fitness related rather than tactical.
“Obviously he's playing a lot,” Arteta said. “He's played so many games in the last few weeks. He had some issues and we decided to take him off.”
A further update on Konsa is expected in the pre-match press conference later in the week, though Arsenal’s depth in central defence means they will not have to take risks with the summer signing. His potential return date is Saturday, November 7, against Hull at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka's Return Date Still Unknown
Bukayo Saka has missed four consecutive Arsenal games with a quad injury sustained after just 10 minutes against Bayern Munich last month. He is not expected to feature against Hull before the international break, but the club has not given a definite timeline for his return.
Amid fears Saka could be out for up to eight weeks, it has been revealed that he is set to undergo another scan before a timeline can be stated. Arteta said before the win over Liverpool: “As I said, he needed another scan to see how the amount of fluid that was there was resolving, whether the tendon is touched and how badly it is touched. Afterwards we'll know more about it.”
Saliba Ready for Return
William Saliba has yet to play for Arsenal this season due to a long-term back injury exacerbated while on duty for France at the World Cup finals this summer. He avoided surgery and recently played 45 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly.
The Frenchman resumed full training on Tuesday before the Slavia Prague game and travelled with the squad to the Czech Republic. Although he was an unused substitute in Prague, Arteta revealed the defender is ready to feature when called upon, possibly as soon as this weekend.
“He's in a really good place,” Arteta said on Tuesday. “The process and the timings and the manner that the injury has been dealt with, especially the feelings that Willy has been having along the way, they have been very, very positive. His evolution has been as expected, which is not always the case. He feels really comfortable. He played 45 minutes behind closed doors last week. He feels ready to go. Whether we use him or not now is a matter of what the team needs.”
Saliba's potential return date is Saturday, November 7, against Hull at the Emirates Stadium.
