Ezri Konsa has been named in England’s 23-man squad for Thursday’s Nations League tie against Czechia in Prague.
The inclusion comes despite an injury doubt that kept him out of group training this week.
The Ezri Konsa injury concern surfaced when the Arsenal defender sat out a session with the rest of the England squad before travelling. Manager Thomas Tuchel opted to keep faith with him on the official matchday list.
Ezri Konsa included in England matchday roster despite training absence
UEFA rules require national associations to submit a 23-man squad the day before each fixture, and that list is published on UEFA’s own website.
Konsa’s name appears on it, confirming he remains in contention to face Czechia even though he was absent from the group session England held in the build-up.
Arsenal fans following his fitness will know he had already trained separately ahead of Czechia, a sign that the issue was being carefully managed rather than ignored. His inclusion on the roster does not guarantee he will feature, but it does keep him in the frame for selection.
Thomas Tuchel provides official update on Konsa fitness checks
Speaking to reporters, Tuchel addressed Konsa’s fitness directly and explained why a final decision has been delayed until matchday itself.
“I’m not sure yet [whether either player will be available]. They missed training today, that’s what you saw. It was because of minor issues. But there are still issues. Today in the morning we had a light training for the guys who started the game. The very last checks will be made tomorrow morning. If the doctors and physios give thumbs up then we’re good to go. One day longer would really make a difference. I feel the players who were on the pitch today all really want to play and are up for it.”
Tuchel’s comments, first reported by Football.London, apply to both Konsa and Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly, who missed the same training session. O’Reilly, however, did not make England’s 23-man list.
He was omitted after picking up a problem during England’s 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley. It was a setback severe enough to rule him out entirely, rather than leave his involvement open like Konsa’s.
Konsa’s central role for Arsenal during William Saliba’s absence
Konsa started that game against Spain, underlining the trust Tuchel has placed in him at international level. That form mirrors his situation at club level, where he has become a regular starter for Arsenal since William Saliba was sidelined.
The centre-back made his Arsenal debut from the bench against Aston Villa. He has since held down a starting spot in Saliba’s absence, giving Mikel Arteta a reliable option at the heart of defence. Supporters can revisit how that partnership has looked in recent weeks via our Brighton vs Arsenal team news, published before the international break.
Upcoming timeline for England match and Leeds United return
The Ezri Konsa injury situation now hinges on the final fitness checks Tuchel described, which will take place on the morning of the match. Only once doctors and physios give their approval will he be cleared to feature.
Arsenal supporters have a clearer date to focus on regardless of that outcome.
The club return to Premier League action on October 10, when they host Leeds United at the Emirates.
Cristhian Mosquera is expected to be available again once the international break ends, offering Arteta another defensive option as his side look to build on their recent form.
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