Arsenal face injury crisis as both Ezri Konsa and Alex Scott withdraw from England squad before Czech Republic clash

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026 · last updated 6 October 2026.

Arsenal's defensive and midfield concerns have deepened after Ezri Konsa and Alex Scott both pulled out of the England squad on Monday, leaving Mikel Arteta short of key players ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Leeds United. Konsa, signed from Aston Villa to cover for the long-term absentee William Saliba, had featured in two of England's three Nations League games before the withdrawal. Scott faces several weeks out with a quadriceps injury suffered during England's 7-0 thrashing of Croatia on Saturday.

Thomas Tuchel had praised Scott after his assured full debut against Croatia, with Gary Lineker warning Declan Rice his England place could be at risk.

Arsenal were already without Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera for the 3-0 defeat to Brighton, with both players' availability for Leeds still unclear.

A teenage Arsenal wonderkid has been called up to first-team training as the Gunners' injury list continues to grow.