Konsa was released from the England squad on Monday after taking an additional blow to the quadriceps, and the England manager framed the medical picture as a direct hit rather than something muscular.

“He got another hit on the quad and it caused a little bit of light trauma and we decided not to let him play through this pain and discomfort again,” Tuchel told reporters at St George’s Park.

“From a knock, not a muscle injury or something.”

‘Nothing major’ before Czech Republic game

Konsa first felt discomfort when he arrived at camp and chose to play through it in the defeat by Spain. He had been passed fit for the trip to Croatia before the training-ground impact took him out of contention for the Nations League tie with the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday.

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The distinction between a soft-tissue problem and a direct blow matters for Arteta. A muscular injury would normally mean weeks on the sideline, whereas a localised quad trauma is usually a question of days.

“He left camp to get treatment for both of his issues now, but I think nothing major, but not worth the risk taking,” Tuchel added.

Konsa was not the only late loss. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott also withdrew before the Czech Republic game, forcing Tuchel into further reshuffling for the Wembley fixture.

Arsenal defence already stretched

Konsa has been one of the few constants at the back for Arsenal this season. William Saliba is still working his way back from the back injury that has kept him out since the summer, with Yahoo Sports reporting that no comeback is expected before the winter.

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Ben White has not played since picking up a groin problem against Sunderland in mid-September, and Cristhian Mosquera has been sidelined since straining a hamstring against Aston Villa on August 31. Both have returned to training during the international break and are in contention to face Leeds.

Had Konsa come back with a torn muscle, Arteta would have been down to a bare defensive rotation for the Premier League restart. A direct hit, assessed as minor, is a very different conversation.

Konsa has a week to be ready

Arsenal host Daniel Farke’s Leeds at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 10 October, the first Premier League game after the international break. Konsa now has a full week of treatment with Arsenal’s medical staff before Arteta names the squad.

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