Mikel Arteta delivers Ezri Konsa injury boost but Bukayo Saka faces lengthy Arsenal absence

Arsenal have received a timely boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Hull City, with Mikel Arteta confirming that Ezri Konsa is available for selection after concerns over his fitness.

The defender had reportedly been struggling with a knee problem, raising doubts about his involvement in Saturday’s encounter at the Emirates Stadium. However, Arteta has allayed those fears, explaining that the decision to withdraw him was purely precautionary.

Konsa was taken off after accumulating significant playing time, but the Arsenal manager indicated that the defender had responded positively and was feeling much better.

“Yeah, he is fine. He was feeling much better today, we took him out as a precaution and the amount of minutes he has played,” Arteta said.

His availability will be a welcome boost for the Gunners as they look to extend their advantage at the summit of the Premier League with another victory.

Saka ruled out for several weeks

While Arteta delivered encouraging news regarding Konsa, his update on Bukayo Saka was less positive, with the England international facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

Saka has been unavailable since sustaining a quadriceps injury during Arsenal’s Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich on October 21.

The winger is expected to remain out for several weeks, with his recovery likely to progress after the upcoming international break.

Arteta confirmed that Saka would need more time before returning to full training, leaving Arsenal without one of their most influential attacking players for the foreseeable future.

“No we will talk about weeks, let’s see after the international break, he will start hitting the pitch and more activity. But unfortunately, he will be out for a while,” the Spaniard revealed.

His absence represents a significant setback for the Gunners, particularly with the demands of the Premier League and European competition continuing to test their squad depth.

Arsenal eye six-point lead at the summit

Arsenal head into the weekend with renewed confidence after recording a notable victory over Liverpool at Anfield last week.

The result, combined with Manchester City’s defeat to Brighton, allowed Arteta’s side to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League standings.

They now have an opportunity to strengthen their position with victory over newly promoted Hull City, potentially opening up a six-point advantage over their closest challengers.

Hull, however, arrive in north London with defensive concerns. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches across all competitions and have lost three of their previous four away games, conceding six goals in the process.

Those defensive vulnerabilities could offer Arsenal an opportunity to exploit, although Arteta will be keen to ensure his players maintain the intensity that has carried them to the top of the table.

Dowman also unavailable for Arsenal

Arsenal will also be without Max Dowman, who remains suspended following his red card against Fleetwood Town.

The youngster’s absence further reduces Arteta’s available options as the Gunners prepare for another important league assignment.

With Saka sidelined and Dowman unavailable, Arsenal will have to manage their attacking resources carefully while looking to maintain their impressive momentum.

A victory over Hull would put further pressure on their title rivals and give the north London side an opportunity to consolidate their position at the top of the standings.