Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that winger Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for "weeks" with a quad injury, but the Gunners have received a boost with defender Ezri Konsa declared fit for Saturday's Premier League encounter with Hull City at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka, who was forced off during Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich last month, has been left out of England's squad for their upcoming matches. Arteta provided an update on the 22-year-old's condition during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Saka's Recovery Timeline
"We're talking about obviously weeks, let's say after the international break," Arteta said. "He's going to start hitting the pitch and start to have more activity and see how he feels, but unfortunately he's going to be out for a while."
The news comes as a blow to Arsenal, who are top of the Premier League and rely heavily on Saka's creativity and goal threat. The winger has been instrumental in their strong start to the season, but his absence will test the squad's depth.
Konsa Fit, Saliba Returns
In more positive news, Konsa, who was substituted during Arsenal's 2-1 win at Slavia Prague on Wednesday, is available for selection against Hull. The former Aston Villa defender was signed in August to provide cover for William Saliba, who has been out with a back injury.
Saliba returned to the squad for the trip to Prague but did not feature. Arteta indicated that the Frenchman could be called up by France manager Zinedine Zidane for the upcoming international fixtures, and he would not stand in his way.
"They have all the information. Now it's about them, about Zinedine in this case, to give the call," Arteta said. "We will accept whatever it is. It's more between them because William needs minutes as well."
He added: "I know how much he loves to be around the national team. It's a new manager, a really exciting one as well, so whatever he's decided is fine for us."
English Core Shines
Despite Saka's absence, England manager Thomas Tuchel has included five Arsenal players in his squad: Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, and Konsa. Arteta expressed pride in the club's English contingent.
"It is a proud thing to have a big English core in the national team," he said. "Our club, it is something that is part of our identity. They are super happy to be back, you can see that. Let's focus on tomorrow and then after that they can go and do their bit with the national team."
Arsenal will be looking to maintain their position at the summit of the Premier League when they host Hull, and Arteta will be hoping his squad can cope without Saka's influential presence.
