Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEzri Konsa and Alex Scott have pulled out of the England squad ahead of Tuesdays UEFA Nations League fixture against Czechia at Wembley.The pair have returned to their respective clubs for further assessment but the news comes at an inopportune time for Arsenal, given their lack of available defensive options.The Football Association confirmed the update in an official statement, revealing that manager Thomas Tuchel will prepare for the last fixture of the current international window with a reduced 22-player squad.Arsenal defender makes premature international break return"Ezri Konsa and Alex Scott have been ruled out of Tuesdays UEFA Nations League meeting with Czechia at Wembley," the England statement read. "Thomas Tuchel will continue his preparations for the final fixture of this international window with a squad of 22 players."Konsa joined Arsenal in a �51 million summer move after a 48-game season with Aston Villa and a World Cup campaign for England. You may like Arsenal defender sits out England training but Mikel Arteta shouldnt worry just yet Arsenal dealt big Christos Tzolis blow, with Greek winger suffering hamstring injury: report Arsenal handed William Saliba update, with defender still out with injury: report The central defender had been working on an individual training plan throughout last week to manage his physical condition and was able to complete 90 minutes as England roared to a 7-0 win away in Croatia.Despite missing the occasional group training session last week, Konsa initially remained in camp with the Three Lions before medical staff ultimately decided against risking him for Tuesdays clash. The decision to release Konsa back to London is understood to be primarily a precautionary measure, aimed at preventing a minor issue from worsening.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Nevertheless, the news will be of some concern for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. Konsa was brought to the Emirates Stadium to provide defensive reinforcement following a long-term back injury to star centre-back William Saliba.With Saliba still sidelined for an extended period, Konsa has stepped straight into the starting lineup alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.Given Salibas ongoing absence, any potential setback to Konsa, even as a precaution, leaves Arsenal in a fragile position in central defence. With a demanding schedule of Premier League and UEFA Champions League fixtures looming immediately after the international break, Arteta will be eager for swift reassurance from the club's medical team. The Gunners host Leeds United on Saturday lunchtime when the Premier League resumes.TOPICSEnglandArsenalPremier LeagueJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
