Arsenal receive huge injury boost ahead of Newcastle United clash

Arsenal receive huge injury boost ahead of Newcastle United clash Ezri Konsa Boost Gives England Options Ahead of Spain Nations League Test England have been given a timely lift before the trip to Madrid, with Ezri Konsa back in full training on Saturday. That matters, because the defensive picture had started to look thin very quickly. Konsa had been following an individual programme after linking up with the squad at Hotspur Way. He had featured in the 1-0 win over Hull City before the international break, then managed his workload after that. Now he is back with the group, and that changes the equation ahead of a difficult night against Spain. England Defence Gets Needed Lift With Marc Guehi already out after withdrawing with a hip issue, England were short at centre-back. Jarell Quansah and Dan Burn started in central defence against Croatia, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Lewis Hall completing Thomas Tuchel’s back four. James Hill was brought in after Guehi’s withdrawal, while Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite also received a call-up. That is functional depth, though not ideal depth. Konsa’s return gives England a defender with rhythm, experience and flexibility. For a match of this level, those things count. Photo: IMAGO Spain Challenge Leaves No Margin England travel to the Estadio Metropolitano knowing exactly what is required. They must beat Spain by a three-goal margin to finish top of Group A3 and progress as group winners. It is a steep task, and there is no need to dress it up. Spain have won all five of their Nations League matches so far. They also beat England 3-2 at Wembley in September. Luis de la Fuente’s side are organised, confident and unbeaten in the campaign. England, by contrast, need a near-perfect performance and far more control than they have shown at times in recent months. Konsa Return Improves Tuchel Hand Whether Konsa starts or not, his availability gives Tuchel a better hand to play. At this level, squad balance matters. England still face a serious challenge in Madrid, but they go into it with one less problem than they had 24 hours earlier.