'He is available for selection' - Arsenal's Arteta says Konsa ready for Aston Villa return

'He is available for selection' - Arsenal's Arteta says Konsa ready for Aston Villa return

Konsa has trained well since completing his move to Arsenal and is in contention to face his former club at Villa Park.

"He's available. He's trained really well and he will be available for selection," Arteta said.

The Arsenal manager has no concerns about Konsa returning to Villa Park so soon after leaving the club.

"If I see something different in the player then I may have a question about that, but the way I've seen Ezri since day one, knowing his personality really well and through people that have worked with him, I have no concern there," he said.

Arteta also provided an update on Bruno Guimaraes, who has been managing a groin problem. The midfielder has been training but Arsenal are carefully controlling his workload ahead of Monday's match.

"He's out on the pitch, he's been doing training sessions but we need to manage his load to get to Monday in the best possible condition to be able to get selected," Arteta said.

Guimaraes is therefore potentially available for the Villa game.

There was also plenty of attention on Arsenal's attacking options, with Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli both the subject of questions surrounding their futures.

Arteta said Jesus' absence from training was related to how Arsenal are managing individual situations within the squad, while Martinelli's early departure from training was also described as a personal matter.

The manager made it clear, however, that he remains a big admirer of Martinelli.

"I think everybody knows and recognises how much we love Gabi," Arteta said. "Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that."

Arteta confirmed he has spoken with both players and suggested the conversations have been positive, even when difficult decisions have to be discussed.

"I'm very satisfied with how these conversations went because I know what is in each other's hearts," he said.

The Arsenal boss refused to comment on reports linking the club with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, insisting he would not discuss players who are not currently part of his squad.

Attention has also focused on Arsenal's remaining transfer business before the window closes. Arteta would not reveal whether further signings are planned, but insisted he is currently satisfied with his squad.

"Today, I'm satisfied," he said. "I hope that when it closes, I am even more satisfied."

Arteta also rejected the idea that Arsenal's current forwards should be concerned by speculation about potential new arrivals. He said players are informed directly whenever the club considers strengthening in their position.

"If we go to sign a player in their position, I tell them straight away," Arteta said. "These are the plans and we believe the same in you, but the competition is going to increase."

The manager also gave an encouraging update on Jurrien Timber, who is continuing his recovery and has increased his training load.

"Jurrien is progressing really well," Arteta said. "He's on the right trajectory if everything goes well."

William Saliba, meanwhile, remains under a more conservative workload and is expected to take longer to return.

Arteta also praised Aston Villa manager Unai Emery despite Villa's difficult start to the season.

"He's one of the most experienced managers in the league, and one of the most successful without a shadow of a doubt," Arteta said. "It's just one game and that's it - I'm sure he will turn it around."

Arsenal will now look to put their attention firmly on the pitch when they face Villa on Monday night.

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