Lee Carsley issues Ezri Konsa injury update after Aston Villa star hobbled off for England

Interim Three Lions boss Lee Carsley has confirmed Konsa picked up a hip issue on Thursday night but it’s hoped the injury isn’t serious.

Everyone associated with Villa will have been biting their nails when Konsa appeared to be limping down the tunnel at half time before being replaced by Lewis Hall. Carsley had moved Konsa to right-back to make him less exposed defensively ahead of the interval as he could see him struggling.

It’s not the first time the 27-year-old has been replaced under caution as he was taken off in the 61st minute of the 2-0 win over Finland in October. On that occasion, Konsa was fine and able to return to Villa’s camp without any long-term problems.

Unai Emery will be praying it’s the same case again as Konsa is a vital cog in his system. The nerves will be exemplified further by the fact Villa’s fixture run is set to become incredibly congested in the lead up to - and including - the festive period.

Matty Cash is set to return for after the international break - so at least Villa won’t need Konsa at right-back - but Emery will want the England international available regardless as he’s a guaranteed starter at centre-back most weeks.

The comments from Carsley post-match were promising, at least, as he provided an update on Konsa’s condition. “Ezri got a slight problem with his hip, so he will get a scan tomorrow,” Carsley said.

“If there’s any kind of doubt he will go straight back to Aston Villa. He was actually okay just then, in terms of walking around. He’s in a good place,” Carsley added.