Arsenal face a growing defensive headache after Ezri Konsa was released from the England squad before Tuesday's UEFA Nations League fixture against Czechia at Wembley, returning to north London for further assessment.

The Football Association confirmed in an official statement that manager Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England's final match of this international window with a reduced squad of 22 players. Alex Scott also withdrew from the camp at the same time.

A precautionary release, but Arsenal remain anxious

Konsa had been managing his physical condition on an individual training plan throughout the previous week, yet he still completed 90 minutes as England thrashed Croatia 7-0. Despite missing some group sessions, England's medical staff ultimately decided against risking him in the Czechia match — a decision understood to be precautionary rather than an indication of serious injury.

The timing, however, is far from ideal for Arsenal. The club signed Konsa from Aston Villa in a £51 million summer transfer to bolster a defence already missing William Saliba, who suffered a long-term back injury. Konsa stepped directly into the starting XI alongside Gabriel Magalhaes — a partnership that has become central to Arteta's defensive plans.

With Saliba still sidelined for an extended period, even the possibility of Konsa being unavailable leaves Arsenal dangerously thin at centre-back. Manager Mikel Arteta will be keenly awaiting clearance from the club's medical team ahead of a congested run of Premier League and UEFA Champions League fixtures.

Leeds United visit the Emirates on Saturday

Arsenal's first test after the international break comes at home, as they host Leeds United on Saturday lunchtime when Premier League action resumes. Arteta will need his defensive options fit and available if the Gunners are to navigate that encounter without further anxiety.