Konsa set for Aston Villa return as seven players face fitness doubts ahead of Arsenal clash

Ezri Konsa is poised to face Aston Villa for the first time since his £55m move to Arsenal this month, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming the centre-back is fit and available for Monday’s Premier League fixture at Villa Park.

Konsa spent seven seasons at Villa Park before completing his switch to north London, and Arteta left little doubt about his involvement. “Yeah, he’s available. He’s been training really well, and I think he will be available for selection,” the Arsenal head coach said.

The fitness picture elsewhere at Arsenal is more complicated. Jurrien Timber is working his way back from a groin problem, and Arteta offered cautious optimism about the Dutchman’s progress. “Jurrien is progressing really well. It’s the third week in a row that he’s been outside and we have increased his load. If everything goes well, I think next week we’re going to step it up again.” William Saliba is also being carefully managed after a back issue, with Arteta noting the Frenchman is on a “much more conservative load management” programme that will take further time.

Summer signing Bruno Guimaraes has returned to outdoor training sessions and could be in contention, though Arteta was measured in his assessment. “We need to manage a lot to get to Monday in the best possible condition to be able to get selected. Yes, potentially available.”

Aston Villa head into the game with their own injury concerns. Unai Emery confirmed that new recruits Johan Manzambi and Brian Madjo are both sidelined, with Manzambi needing approximately two more weeks before he can rejoin full training. Tammy Abraham is also unlikely to feature as he continues rehabilitation from a minor knock, while long-term absentee Amadou Onana remains out with an ACL injury. Midfielder Joao Gomes is serving the first of a three-game suspension.

Nicolas Jackson, who joined Villa from Chelsea in a deal worth £47.5m rising to £65m with add-ons, could be handed his debut if Emery’s striking options remain limited.

Arsenal arrive at Villa Park on the back of a 3-0 opening-day victory over Coventry City and will be looking to make it two wins from two in the Premier League.