Arsenal news round-up for Wednesday 11 November, updated 06:45 UK

Ezri Konsa out of England squad with knee injury

Ezri Konsa has been ruled out of England’s Nations League match against Croatia at Wembley on Thursday. BBC Sport reports he was substituted with a knee injury in Arsenal’s win at Slavia Prague on 4 November. He then played all 90 minutes of the 1-0 win over Hull City on Saturday.

England have also lost Marc Guéhi to a hip injury (Guéhi injury update). The BBC’s Mike Peter reports that James Hill, the Bournemouth centre-back, has been called up to England for the first time as Konsa’s cover. Hill is 24, joined Bournemouth from Fleetwood in January 2022 and has played every minute of their Premier League season. The BBC also says Konsa will return to full training this week, ahead of England’s game in Madrid on Sunday.

Saka still weeks away from a return

Bukayo Saka is still some way from playing again. He was forced off with a thigh muscle injury in the 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich on 21 October. Arteta told reporters before the Hull game that Saka would be out for several more weeks, and beIN Sports reports he can begin pitch work after the international break.

Arsenal step up interest in Antonio Nusa

On Tuesday, TEAMtalk reported that Arsenal are preparing to step up their interest in RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa. Leipzig value the 21-year-old at €80m (£67m), and Bild, cited by TEAMtalk, says a January deal would be very difficult without an “exceptional fee”. Arsenal scouts reportedly watched him score in Leipzig’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to Manchester City.

Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, was less optimistic about the winter window. “But in January, I think it’s unlikely.” He added that he wouldn’t be surprised to see something happen in 2027. Nusa has six goals and eight assists in 15 games this season, and TEAMtalk says Arsenal may need another left-sided option after allowing Martinelli and Trossard to leave over the summer. Nusa is one of several wingers on the list, and our Endrick report covers another January name.

Next fixture

Arsenal go to Newcastle first, then host Dortmund in the Champions League before Manchester City visit. It is Arsenal’s first Premier League game since the 1-0 win over Hull City on 7 November.

Injury list