Ezri Konsa Leaves England Camp, Doubtful for Arsenal’s Leeds Clash
Ezri Konsa has left the England camp for specialist treatment after playing in the 7-0 win over Croatia in Rijeka, placing his availability for Arsenal’s meeting with Leeds United on Saturday in doubt.
Why Konsa’s return matters for Arsenal
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| England’s last result | Croatia 0-7 England, Rijeka |
| Konsa’s next possible club fixture | Arsenal v Leeds United, Saturday lunchtime |
| Other England absentee | Alex Scott, quad injury |
| Arsenal defender already unavailable | William Saliba, back problem |
The defender had missed England’s victory over Czechia in Prague but was cleared to feature against Croatia. He completed the match before suffering another impact-related problem, prompting the decision to send him back to his club rather than risk aggravating either complaint before England’s next game at Wembley.
Thomas Tuchel said Konsa had arrived with discomfort and had already played through it against Spain, where the issue became more troublesome. The England manager stressed that the concerns were not muscular tears or structural injuries, describing them instead as consequences of contact during matches.
“Ezri came into camp with discomfort, played with it against Spain and it became a little worse,” Tuchel said. “He has gone back for treatment on both problems, but I do not believe it is anything serious. There was no reason to take an unnecessary risk.”
Tuchel praised Konsa for remaining with the squad, training between fixtures and making himself available for the Croatia match. However, a further knock during that game brought another spell of pain and discomfort.
He added that the player had attempted to be ready for both Czechia and Croatia, finishing the intervening training sessions, but England chose against asking him to continue after he took another blow to the quad.
Alex Scott has also been ruled out after sustaining a quad injury. Tuchel expected the rest of his squad to be available, with further fitness updates due during the day.
Defensive depth under pressure
Konsa’s possible absence would further test Mikel Arteta’s defensive options. The England international has been a regular starter since joining Arsenal in the summer and has helped cover for Saliba, who remains sidelined by a back complaint.
There is, however, encouragement elsewhere in Arsenal’s back line. Ben White is approaching full fitness following a groin problem and could offer an option centrally as well as alongside Jurrien Timber. Cristhian Mosquera is also progressing in his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered in August.
What remains to be decided
Arsenal will need to assess Konsa’s condition after his treatment before determining whether he can feature against Leeds. England have not indicated that the injury is serious, but his readiness for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off remains unresolved.
