Ezri Konsa’s growing importance to Arsenal is creating an intriguing selection debate for Mikel Arteta, with the defender’s performances giving the manager another reason to think carefully about what should happen when William Saliba finally returns from injury.

Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League demonstrated just how demanding European football can be, as Harry Kane and his teammates repeatedly tested the Gunners’ defensive organisation before Declan Rice rescued a valuable point late in the game.

Konsa had a challenging evening against Bayern, particularly during the first half when he struggled to contain the movement around Kane, but he improved after the break as Arsenal fought to remain in the contest.

Gabriel also made several important interventions, while David Raya produced crucial saves, underlining that Arsenal’s defensive resilience against Bayern was a collective effort rather than the work of one individual.

Nevertheless, Konsa’s growing familiarity with Arteta’s system is an encouraging development, especially considering that he arrived as an important option during Saliba’s absence.

The England international brings Premier League experience, positional awareness and the versatility to operate at centre-back or right-back, qualities that make him a valuable addition to a squad competing on multiple fronts.

His challenge now Is to turn those qualities into consistent performances that make dropping him a genuinely difficult decision for Arteta.

Saliba’s eventual return will inevitably change the conversation because the Frenchman has established himself as one of Arsenal’s most important defenders, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel when both are available.

However, Arteta must also consider match fitness, the risk of rushing Saliba back and whether the players who have covered for him deserve to retain their places based on their performances.

That brings Cristhian Mosquera into the discussion, with the young Spaniard facing an equally important battle to establish his place in the defensive pecking order.

Mosquera impressed during his opportunities earlier in the campaign, but Konsa’s arrival has increased competition and made it harder for the youngster to expect an automatic return to the starting XI after being unavailable.

For a young defender, the biggest challenge is often not simply proving that he belongs at a major club, but maintaining consistency when opportunities are limited.

Mosquera still has time to develop, and his versatility could help him secure minutes across different defensive positions, particularly with Arsenal managing injuries and a demanding fixture schedule.

However, if Konsa continues to perform reliably, Mosquera may have to accept a supporting role until an opportunity presents itself.

Arteta’s biggest advantage is that he now has several credible defensive options rather than being forced to depend on the same players regardless of their condition or form.

The manager must still make difficult decisions, but healthy competition can help prevent complacency and protect Arsenal from the defensive injury problems that have disrupted previous campaigns.

Ultimately, Konsa has an opportunity to strengthen his case before Saliba returns, while Mosquera must demonstrate that he can compete at the same level whenever called upon.

The real question Is whether Arteta will prioritise established quality, current form or long-term development when everyone is available, because Arsenal’s defensive depth could become one of their greatest strengths if he manages it correctly.

Sources

(Bayern Munich — Official report of the 2-2 draw against Arsenal](https://fcbayern.com/en/news/matchreports/2026/10/match-report-champions-league-fc-bayern-v-arsenal-211026?utm_source=chatgpt.com)