Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a welcome defensive selection dilemma as key central defender William Saliba returns to full training. Saliba has missed the entire campaign due to a back injury sustained during France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain.
Konsa steps up in Saliba’s absence
The 25-year-old Saliba was one of the Premier League’s top defenders last season, helping the Gunners claim their first league title in 22 years alongside regular partner Gabriel Magalhaes. Following Saliba’s early withdrawal at the World Cup, he was sent to see a specialist who recommended a lengthy rehabilitation without surgery. While Saliba completed individual conditioning at Arsenal’s training base, summer signing Ezri Konsa arrived from Aston Villa for £55m and stepped in seamlessly.
Konsa and Gabriel have formed a formidable partnership, helping Arsenal secure the league’s tightest defence by conceding just five goals across nine matches. Konsa has started seven of Arsenal’s nine Premier League games and earned praise from Arteta, who stated that the defender’s swift settlement at the club has been “unbelievable”. Konsa previously made 286 appearances for Villa, won the Europa League in May, and started seven matches for England at the World Cup, including the quarter-final against Norway at right-back.
The 29-year-old defender scored the opening goal in a 2-0 victory against Everton and delivered another commanding performance as Arsenal defeated Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in 14 years. Arsenal previously held seven senior defenders before signing Konsa, who arrived hours before the opening match against Coventry and made his debut against Aston Villa.
Arteta’s tactical options ahead
Arsenal host Hull on Saturday ahead of the upcoming international break, which will provide Saliba with crucial time to build up his fitness before returning as a regular first-team option. Ben White and Jurrien Timber have operated as Arsenal’s primary right-backs this season, with White available for all but one fixture.
To accommodate Saliba alongside Gabriel in central defence, Arteta could shift the physically imposing Konsa to right-back, a position he has previously played for England. Saliba’s impending comeback may also impact playing minutes for young centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, whose limited appearances raise questions about his future despite recovering from a hamstring injury.
Arsenal competed in 63 matches across all competitions last season while winning the league title and reaching the Champions League final. With Arteta targeting another domestic championship and European success, the congested fixture schedule will provide ample opportunities to rotate his defensive depth.
