Arteta says Konsa had fitness issue in Arsenal win

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Ezri Konsa was substituted for fitness reasons during the team’s 2-1 Champions League win over Slavia Prague, leaving his availability for Saturday’s match against Hull uncertain. Arteta said the defender had played many matches in recent weeks and had “some issues,” but did not specify an injury diagnosis or how long Konsa might be unavailable. Konsa started alongside Gabriel and played on after appearing to feel his knee during the first half. Arteta brought him off shortly after the hour mark. The manager said the change was prompted by fitness, rather than a tactical decision. Arsenal are due to host Hull on Saturday, November 7. William Saliba returned to Arsenal’s matchday squad in Prague after recovering from a back injury, but remained an unused substitute. Before the match, Arteta said Saliba had played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly without setbacks and felt ready to play. The defender’s return gives Arsenal another centre-back option as the club assesses Konsa’s condition. The reports do not establish whether Konsa’s issue is minor or will affect his availability against Hull. Arsenal’s assessment ahead of that fixture...