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England's defender #5 Ezri Konsa controls the ball during the UEFA Nations League, league A day 3: Group 3, football match between Croatia and England at the Stadion HNK Rijeka stadium in Rijeka, Croatia, on October 3, 2026. (Photo by MARKO PERKOV / AFP via Getty Images)
Leeds United face an Arsenal side plagued with fresh injuries from the international break, including England centre-back Ezri Konsa.
United take on our toughest test of the season straight after this international break. A trip to the champions Arsenal awaits on Saturday lunchtime.
However, those who hold a glass-half-full perspective will fancy our chances after Arsenal’s drubbing against Brighton, and their ongoing injury crisis.
Arsenal v Leeds United: Ezri Konsa joins growing injury list for Gunners
Mikel Arteta’s men aren’t in the best shape coming into the weekend against Leeds.
Already, William Saliba and Pierro Hincapie were ruled out recently due to their respective issues. But, the international break has thrown up further setbacks for the league holders to contend with.
Kai Havertz for Germany, and Christos Tzolis for Greece have both suffered hamstring issues that could see them ruled out.
Now, England’s Ezir Konsa is a fresh doubt. The 28-year-old was ruled out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for tonight’s clash with Czechia.
A statement from the Three Lions confirmed the £51million defender’s absence:
“Ezri Konsa and Alex Scott have been ruled out of Tuesday’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Czechia at Wembley. Thomas Tuchel will continue his preparations for the final fixture of this international window with a squad of 22 players.”
Leeds United could spring huge shock on vulnerable Arsenal
If you’re ever going to get anything from Arsenal, now might be the time to play them.
Looking at how they were pressed into oblivion against Brighton, and the injuries they’ve suffered since, this could be our best opportunity to come away from the Emirates with a result.
That said, even an Arsenal squad with these key injuries still has plenty to hurt anyone in this league. The likes of Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes have sat out of internationals in order to recharge, and that could be just the tonic.
All I want to see is a much better fight than we showed in both games against Arteta’s Arsenal last season. We need to actually turn up, for one.