William Saliba may struggle to get back into Arsenal's starting XI when he returns to full fitness, given the hugely impressive form of recent signing Ezri Konsa.

That is the view of former Manchester United and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand, who believes Konsa's transition since arriving from Aston Villa has been seamless.

Saliba has been sidelined since suffering a back injury during France's defeat to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals, though he played for Arsenal's under-21s last weekend as he nears a return. 

But with Konsa joining the Premier League champions and slotting in alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, Mikel Arteta's side have barely noticed Saliba's absence.

Arsenal boast a five-point lead over Brighton at the top of the table, having won nine of their first 10 Premier League matches, and their defensive record has been nothing short of fearsome.

The Gunners have conceded the fewest goals (five), given up the lowest expected goals against figure (7.6 xGA), faced the fewest shots on target (26) and allowed their opponents the lowest xG figure per shot (0.7) and conversation rate (4.5%) among all Premier League sides.

Konsa has appeared in nine of their games, making the joint-most interceptions among their squad (nine, alongside Gabriel and Declan Rice) and winning possession 32 times – only Rice (35 times) has recovered the ball more often. 

Konsa will miss England's meeting with Croatia on Thursday but could return from a minor knock in time to face Spain on Sunday, and if the 29-year-old stays fit, Ferdinand feels Arteta will find it difficult to drop him.  

Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: "Mikel Arteta has got a huge problem now. What is he going to do when Saliba is fit?

"Because Konsa has come into that back four and said, 'I have been here for 10 years and I am the immovable object now,' that's what it feels like.

Another top display. Another clean sheet. In Focus: Ezri Konsa edition 

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 9, 2026

"He has just slid in there and said, 'that is my spot, it is mine now'. He has made some last-ditch tackles to keep them in games and to help them win games.

"He looks dominant, aggressive, and he looks accustomed to wearing the Arsenal shirt. He looks like he is meant to be there, but let's not forget about Saliba and what he was doing when he was in the team, how great he looked.

"This is a problem, but it is a problem that Mikel Arteta, I hope, will enjoy – to have two top centre-backs vying to play in that team, who are performing at their best at the moment, and arguably your best one [Saliba] is not in there... what a position to be in."

Arsenal visit Newcastle United for their first game back after the international break, on November 21, before hosting Manchester City in a huge clash between title rivals the following week.