Mikel Arteta said Ezri Konsa is fine after being withdrawn against Slavia Prague, but Bukayo Saka is still out for weeks. Arsenal now go into Arsenal vs Hull City with one defensive concern eased and one attacking absence still hanging over the squad.
Konsa's scare looked smaller by Friday
Konsa was taken off with 62 minutes gone in midweek, and Arteta said the change was only precautionary. "He is fine. He was feeling much better today. We took him out as a precaution [against Slavia Prague] but yesterday and today he is feeling good," he told metro.co.uk.
The wider point is that Arsenal have seen him in plenty already. Konsa has played in all 14 of Arsenal's games since his £55million move from Aston Villa in August, so this looked more like a managed knock than a major setback.
Saka stays on a slower recovery path
The less encouraging part of the update was Saka. Arteta said, "We talked about weeks. Let's see," and later told football.london that the forward will only start increasing his activity after the international break.
Saka has 607 Premier League minutes this season, which fits the cautious tone around his recovery. Arsenal are not talking about a quick return, and there is no sign yet of a firm comeback date.
William Saliba is the other encouraging note. He made the matchday squad for the first time this season in Prague and was an unused substitute after four months out with a back injury. Arteta said he was "really happy" with Saliba's return, and that gives Arsenal another option if they decide not to push anyone too hard before Hull City.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
