Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that defender Ezri Konsa is fit and available for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Hull City, easing concerns raised after Konsa was substituted during the Gunners' midweek Champions League trip to Slavia Prague.

Arsenal claimed a 2-1 victory in Prague, though the tie grew uncomfortable in the second half after the visitors had coasted into a two-goal lead. Konsa's withdrawal prompted questions about his condition heading into the weekend.

Arteta dismisses injury fears

Arteta moved quickly to calm any alarm, describing the England international as simply "fine." The Basque coach added that the decision to remove Konsa had been purely precautionary: "He was feeling much better today. We took him out as a precaution but yesterday and today he is feeling good."

It is not the first fitness scare surrounding the 29-year-old this season. During the most recent international break, England manager Thomas Tuchel was required to carefully manage Konsa's workload across the Three Lions' UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Saliba's return eases the burden

The timing of William Saliba's return to fitness offers Arsenal significant relief. The France international sat as an unused substitute in Prague — his first involvement following a back injury sustained during the World Cup semi-finals — with Arteta expected to manage his minutes cautiously over the coming weeks.

Arsenal were compelled to move for Konsa last summer precisely because of Saliba's absence. Cristhian Mosquera initially filled the void, starting the opening three matches of the season — including a Community Shield win over Manchester City in Cardiff — before Konsa made his debut off the bench against former club Aston Villa in the second Premier League match of the campaign.

Konsa has started nearly every game since, though Mosquera suffered an injury of his own at Villa Park on that same evening. With Saliba now back in the picture, the burden on both centre-backs should ease considerably in the weeks ahead.

Konsa is valued at €50 million by Transfermarkt. Arsenal host Hull City on Saturday as Premier League action resumes.