Aston Villa could come up against Ezri Konsa just ten days after his £55million move to Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta confirming the defender is available for Monday night’s Premier League clash at Villa Park.
Konsa completed his switch to the Premier League champions last week after seven years at Villa.
The England international did not feature in Arsenal‘s opening 3-0 victory against Coventry City, but Arteta has now provided a significant update before his side travel to Birmingham.
Reuters reports that Arteta has confirmed Konsa is available for selection against his former club.
It leaves the 28-year-old in contention to make his Arsenal debut at the stadium where he spent the most successful years of his career.
Villa sold Konsa for a package worth up to £55m earlier this month, with the defender making 286 appearances during his time at the club. ReadAstonVilla covered Konsa’s Arsenal move and his departure from Villa Park here.
Ezri Konsa could make immediate Aston Villa return
Konsa’s availability adds another storyline to a difficult first home Premier League fixture of the season for Unai Emery.
Villa are looking for a response after their 4-0 opening defeat at Brighton, while Arsenal arrive after beginning their title defence with a convincing victory over Coventry.
There was further team news from Arteta on Thursday.
Bruno Guimarães has returned to training after missing the opening game with a minor injury and is potentially available on Monday.
That represents a further change from the Arsenal injury situation Villa learned earlier this week.
William Saliba and Jurriën Timber have both been dealing with injury problems, increasing the possibility of Konsa being handed an immediate role.
Villa host Arsenal at 8pm BST on Monday 31 August, with the match being shown live on Sky Sports.
For Konsa, it could mean a remarkably quick return to Villa Park, this time wearing Arsenal colours.
