Mikel Arteta provides triple Arsenal injury update ahead of Aston Villa as Ezri Konsa claim made

Mikel Arteta has spoken to the press ahead of Monday night's clash against Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update ahead of Monday night's clash against Aston Villa. Arsenal could welcome a couple of big names back to the matchday squad when they face Unai Emery's side at Villa Park.

Speaking to reporters at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Thursday afternoon, the Gunners boss began by confirming that Ezri Konsa will be available for selection. Arsenal signed the 28-year-old defender from Aston Villa for about £55million last week.

"Yes, he's available, he's trained really well," said Arteta, who was then asked if it was a difficult deal to agree. "I don't get involved in the deals; I get involved in identifying the talent that makes us better."

On whether Konsa will get booed by Aston Villa supporters, the Arsenal boss said: "I hope so! But I don't know, but it's not down to us."

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When asked to provide an update on Bruno Guimaraes, who suffered a knock during the Gunners' win over Manchester City in the Community Shield, Arteta said: "We just managed the last few days with him; he's been out on the pitch doing training sessions, but we need to manage the load."

On whether the 28-year-old midfielder, whom Arsenal signed from Newcastle United for £75m, will also be available for selection, Arteta replied: "Yes, potentially."

The Spaniard then claimed that Gabriel Jesus, who has recently entered the final 12 months of his deal, has been absent from training. Arteta said: "It's something to do with the numbers that we have in the squad. Personal situations, whatever they are, I think it's clear."

Gabriel Martinelli, whose contract at the Emirates Stadium also expires in June 2027, has, however, trained as usual. The Arsenal boss said: "It's another personal situation that we are dealing with.

"I think everyone knows and recognises, whatever the outcome it is. It's because everyone has agreed to that."

Arsenal leapt out of the gates on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, defeating Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium, so Arteta will hope to see his side pick up from where they left off.

Meanwhile, Emery will look to bank his first points of the campaign, having lost in quite a disastrous fashion to Brighton at the Amex Stadium. The Seagulls enjoyed a 4-0 win over Aston Villa on the south coast, leapfrogging the Gunners at the top of the table on goal difference.