Tuchel 'not sure' on Arsenal defender ahead of England clash

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Thomas Tuchel has admitted he is still “not sure” whether Ezri Konsa will be fit for England's Nations League trip to the Czech Republic on Tuesday night, after the Arsenal defender missed training with a minor issue.

Konsa and Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly were the only two members of Tuchel's 24-man squad who did not take part in the group session at Tottenham's training ground on Monday, according to the Evening Standard. Both defenders instead worked through individualised programmes before the squad flew to Prague.

Tuchel awaits medical verdict

Speaking on Monday evening, the England head coach offered little clarity on whether either man would be available at the Fortuna Arena.

“I'm not sure yet. They missed training today — that's what you saw,” Tuchel said. “It was because of minor issues. But there are still issues.”

The German confirmed that a decision will be left as late as possible. “Today in the morning we had a light training for the guys who started the game,” he added. “The very last checks will be made tomorrow morning. If the doctors and physios give thumbs up then we're good to go.”

Tuchel also acknowledged that the compressed international schedule has not helped his medical staff, saying: “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.”

For Arsenal supporters, the phrase “there are still issues” will be the line that registers. Konsa is carrying what has been described as a minor problem, but the fact he was held out of a full group session entirely — rather than managed through it — means there is at least some doubt hanging over the defender as he prepares to return to club duty.

England chasing a response in Prague

Tuesday's fixture carries added weight after England were beaten 3-2 by world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday, the worst possible opening to a Nations League league phase that runs to just six matches.

Tuchel, however, pushed back on the idea that the trip to the Czech Republic already qualifies as a must-win. “It is a bit early for ‘must-win’,” he said. “It is a bit early in the group for ‘must-win’.

“We respect the quality of the opposition. I feel I always need a result, no matter where. Especially after defeat, even if this is the way to go forward, even then you just need it for yourself, and to show straight away a reaction. The match tomorrow has the highest priority.”

That desire for an immediate response could work either way for Arsenal. A manager chasing a reaction may lean on his most experienced defenders — or he may conclude that a player already flagged as carrying a knock is not worth the gamble in September.

The final call will be made in Prague on Tuesday morning, with England's medical staff due to run one last round of checks before the team is confirmed. Arsenal will be watching the team sheet closely.