Mikel Arteta And Ezri Konsa Share Key Moment In Arsenal Training Ahead Of Napoli Clash

Arsenal are preparing for their upcoming European fixture against Napoli, and the training ground has provided several talking points heading into the tie.

Manager Mikel Arteta was spotted sharing a notable moment with defender Ezri Konsa during the session, suggesting the pair are working closely together ahead of potential selection decisions.

Konsa’s involvement comes after the defender stepped in during Arsenal’s win over Aston Villa, filling a gap that opened up following a substitution during that fixture.

Cristhian Mosquera was the player replaced by Konsa in that match, with Arteta suggesting afterwards that the change was made as a precaution rather than due to a serious concern.

Arteta explained his thinking at the time, saying the switch was “more a precaution than anything else,” though he acknowledged that Mosquera “was feeling like he was about to” pick up an injury.

With Mosquera’s fitness now a concern ahead of the Napoli fixture, Konsa is pushing to start and make his mark in what could be a crucial European contest for the Gunners.

Arteta has confirmed Konsa remains an option, stating: “He’s certainly available in the squad, so we’ll have to make that selection.”

Elsewhere in the training update, Jurrien Timber appears to be edging closer to a return after a period on the sidelines, offering Arsenal a boost in their defensive options.

Arteta struck a positive tone when speaking about the Dutch defender, confirming that Timber is “in a really good condition at the moment” and has “had a few weeks on the pitch” training with the squad.

Whether Timber will be handed a place in the squad for upcoming fixtures remains to be seen, with Arteta unwilling to put a firm timeline on his return to full competitive action.

William Saliba continues to be absent from Arsenal’s available options, and there is no expectation from within the club that he will return to the squad in the immediate future.

The combination of Saliba’s absence and Mosquera’s fitness doubt means Arsenal’s defensive resources are being tested, placing even greater importance on players like Konsa stepping up.

Arteta’s training sessions are known for their intensity and detail, and the glimpses offered ahead of major fixtures often provide clues about the shape of his thinking and potential team selections.

Arsenal supporters will be watching closely to see which defenders Arteta trusts to handle the challenge that Napoli will bring in what promises to be a competitive European encounter.

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