There is better news for Mikel Arteta elsewhere on the injury front
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Ezri Konsa has pulled out of the England squad
Ezri Konsa has pulled out of the England squad (PA)
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Arsenal are facing injury worries over four key figures as they prepare to return to Premier League action against Leeds on Saturday.
An extended international break has taken its toll on Mikel Arteta’s squad with Ezri Konsa the latest reason for the Arsenal manager to fret after the defender withdrew from the England squad.
Declan Rice had already pulled out on international action to manage an injury of his own and a continuing heavy workload, while both Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis have suffered hamstring problems playing for Germany and Greece respectively.
The forward pair are expected to miss a few weeks of action, including Saturday lunchtime’s visit of Leeds.
Konsa, meanwhile, was able to play 90 minutes against Croatia having missed England’s game against the Czech Republic with an unspecified knock. He faces further assessment having returned to Arsenal, though club and country colleague Rice should be fit to feature.
All of Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White and Piero Hincapie have been back in training in recent days to bolster Arteta’s defensive options, while suggestions of an injury to Martin Odegaard have proved misplaced with the midfielder continuing to feature for Norway.
Arsenal were beaten 3-0 by Brighton in their last league outing on 19 September, and sit second behind Manchester City in the table.