Mikel Arteta offers Ezri Konsa update after Arsenal injury scare

Konsa was withdrawn as a precaution against Slavia Prague but Arteta expects him available for Hull; Saliba nearing return and Arsenal hope France won't call him up this month.

Mikel Arteta confirmed Ezri Konsa was substituted in the 61st minute of Arsenal's Champions League match against Slavia Prague on Wednesday purely as a precautionary measure to manage his workload before the international break. The centre-back, who has impressed since joining from Aston Villa in the summer and kept four consecutive Premier League clean sheets, is expected to be available for Saturday's fixture against Hull.

William Saliba, who has not featured this season due to a back injury sustained at the World Cup, has returned to full training and is in contention for the Hull match. Arteta confirmed Arsenal are in contact with France manager Zinedine Zidane and are hopeful Saliba will not be called up during the international break, though the manager acknowledged the decision rests with the national team.