Arsenal suffer fresh injury blow as England star withdraws from squad

Arsenal were thumped 3-0 by Brighton in their most recent game (Credits: Alamy Live News.)

Arsenal have suffered a fresh defensive injury blow ahead of this weekend’s Premier League resumption.

The Gunners surrendered their flawless start to the new campaign a fortnight ago when they were hammered 3-0 by Brighton.

Mikel Arteta’s side will look to get back to winning ways against Leeds United on Saturday, but may have to suffice without Ezri Konsa.

The summer signing from Aston Villa had proven to be an able deputy for the missing William Saliba, who is suffering from a long-term back injury.

Konsa featured of two of England’s three games during the international break so far but has pulled out of the squad ahead of tomorrow evening’s game against Czech Republic.

Arsenal were also without Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera in the defeat against the Seagulls and it remains to be seen whether or not they will be back in contention.

Alex Scott has also withdrawn from England’s squad because of an injury, the FA said on Monday, days after the midfielder impressed manager Thomas Tuchel on his first international start.

Ezri Konsa has pulled out of the England squad (Credits: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

Scott was injured during Saturday’s 7-0 thrashing of Croatia in the Nations League, and he could be sidelined for several weeks due to the thigh injury.

The injury is an untimely snag for Scott, who Tuchel said could go on to challenge regular Declan Rice for a spot in England’smidfield.

With Rice having withdrawn from the squad before the international break began, Scott featured in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson against Croatia, and the pair dictated play against veterans Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic.

When asked if Arsenal’s Rice might be worried about his place in the team, Tuchel told reporters: “Of course, and he does, we need performances like this.