Ferdinand warns Arteta: Saliba's return and Konsa's form will create a selection headache

Rio Ferdinand believes the performances of Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa ahead of William Saliba's return from injury will leave head coach Mikel Arteta facing "tough decisions and big selection headaches".

Konsa, who joined from Aston Villa for around £55m in the summer transfer window, went straight into the starting XI following injuries to Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera.

Saliba, who suffered a back injury in France's World Cup semi-final against Spain, has yet to feature for Arsenal this season but recently returned to team training. The French centre-back also took part in the session ahead of his side's Champions League clash with Slavia Prague.

Konsa, meanwhile, has impressed in Saliba's absence. In the win over Liverpool in particular, the England international led his side for duels won (8/9), successful tackles (4/5) and clearances (8).

Among Arsenal defenders this season, Konsa has made the most successful tackles (9, joint-highest) and the most ball recoveries (40), while ranking second only to Gabriel Magalhães for duels (54), aerial duels (19) and interceptions (10).

Praising Konsa's contribution to the team, Ferdinand argued that Manchester United should not have let the player slip through their fingers in the summer transfer window. Ferdinand said:

"I think William Saliba is one of those players you simply have to make room for in the team. He's that good, a top-level player. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Konsa move to right-back when Saliba comes back, because Konsa is a top-level player too. He was one of the players I felt Manchester United should have signed. He has slotted into the team seamlessly and has been brilliant; he's going to give Arteta some very difficult decisions. It's been a tremendous signing for Arsenal."