Retour
Ezri Konsa has been passed fit for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Hull City this weekend.
Konsa has featured in all 14 of Arsenal’s games since his £55million move from Aston Villa in August.
The England international started alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence in the Champions League game against Slavia Prague on Wednesday, while William Saliba was named as a substitute for the first time this term.
Saliba, who has been recovering from a long-term back injury, remained on the bench as Konsa was forced off in the second half with a knee problem and replaced by Cristhian Mosquera.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta played down any injury fears, believing his defender will be ‘fine’ for the visit of the Tigers.
‘He is fine,’ Arteta said. ‘He was feeling much better today. We took him out as a precaution [against Slavia Prague] but yesterday and today he is feeling good.’
Bukayo Saka meanwhile has not played since he was forced off inside 10 minutes against Bayern Munich in the Champions League in October with a quad injury.
Reports have suggested the winger could be ruled out until Christmas with Arteta admitting it will be a number of weeks before he is back in the team.
‘We talked about weeks. Let’s see,’ Arteta said.
‘After the international break, he’s going to start hitting the pitch and start to do more activity and see how he feels but unfortunately he’s going to be out for a while.
‘I don’t want to put the guys under too much pressure. They are doing their best to get him fit.
‘Bukayo is desperate to be back with the team. But it’s still quite early.’
Arsenal could move six points clear of Manchester City if they beat the Hull on Saturday afternoon with Enzo Maresca’s side in action on Sunday away to Nottingham Forest.