Konsa and Scott withdraw from England squad, eighth injury blow of the break

Ezri Konsa and Alex Scott have withdrawn from the England squad due to injury, the Football Association confirmed, with the pair ruled out of Tuesday’s Nations League match against Czech Republic at Wembley on 6 October.

Both players started in Saturday’s 7-0 demolition of Croatia in Rijeka but will take no further part in the international break. England confirmed they have returned to their respective clubs — Arsenal and Bournemouth — for further assessment, with no replacements called up.

The double blow is the latest in a lengthy injury crisis that has plagued Thomas Tuchel’s squad over the past fortnight. Five players withdrew on the opening day of the break alone: Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento. Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner were drafted in as cover. Manchester City left-back Nico O’Reilly subsequently missed the 2-0 win over Czech Republic and was replaced by club team-mate Rico Lewis.

Konsa’s exit compounds a difficult period for Arsenal, who have also lost Christos Tzolis and Kai Havertz to hamstring injuries during the break, while William Saliba remains sidelined with a back problem sustained at the World Cup. The centre-back’s absence narrows Mikel Arteta’s defensive options considerably.

Scott, 23, had impressed on his first senior England start against Croatia, operating in central midfield alongside Elliot Anderson. He now faces a potential two-month absence with a quad problem. Tuchel had spoken highly of the Bournemouth midfielder after the Croatia win, suggesting he could push Rice for a starting berth.

“Of course, and he does, we need performances like this,” Tuchel said when asked whether Rice might feel pressure on his place. “We will not survive on two central midfielders. Declan knows about his importance, and he’s one of the very best midfielders in Europe. Nothing will change that. But it’s exactly what we need — more variety, more options. Alex was at the highest level.”

England’s fourth and final fixture of the break takes place at Wembley on Tuesday 6 October against Czech Republic.