Arsenal have suffered a fresh defensive injury blow ahead of this weekend's Premier League resumption. The Gunners surrendered their flawless start to the new campaign a fortnight ago when they were hammered 3-0 by Brighton. Mikel Arteta's side will look to get back to winning ways against Leeds United on Saturday, but may have to suffice without Ezri Konsa.
Konsa pulls out of England duty
The summer signing from Aston Villa had proven to be an able deputy for the missing William Saliba, who is suffering from a long-term back injury. Konsa featured in two of England's three games during the international break so far but has pulled out of the squad ahead of tomorrow evening's game against Czech Republic.
Arsenal were also without Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera in the defeat against the Seagulls, and it remains to be seen whether or not they will be back in contention.
Scott also sidelined
Alex Scott has also withdrawn from England's squad because of an injury, the FA said on Monday, days after the midfielder impressed manager Thomas Tuchel on his first international start. Scott was injured during Saturday's 7-0 thrashing of Croatia in the Nations League, and he could be sidelined for several weeks due to the thigh injury.
The injury is an untimely snag for Scott, who Tuchel said could go on to challenge regular Declan Rice for a spot in England's midfield. With Rice having withdrawn from the squad before the international break began, Scott featured in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson against Croatia, and the pair dictated play against veterans Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic.
Tuchel on competition
When asked if Arsenal's Rice might be worried about his place in the team, Tuchel told reporters: "Of course, and he does, we need performances like this. This is just the nature of it. We will not survive on two central midfielders.
'Declan knows about his importance, and he's one of the very best midfielders in Europe. Nothing will change that. But it's exactly what we need. We need more, more, more, more variety. We need more, more, more options. Then it's always about the guys who are in camp. Alex was in the highest level.'
