
Arsenal’s injury crisis worsened as Leandro Trossard suffered a setback during Belgium’s Nations League loss to Israel. The winger was substituted after just 37 minutes, adding to manager Mikel Arteta’s growing fitness concerns.
Trossard joins an injury list that already includes Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, both of whom missed England’s recent fixtures due to their own fitness issues.
This latest injury compounds a difficult period for Arsenal. Earlier in October, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sustained injuries during international duty, while Martin Ødegaard and Riccardo Calafiori were ruled out earlier in the season.
Trossard, who last featured in Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, is expected to join Calafiori on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.
Defensive woes also plague the Gunners. Ben White is recovering from knee surgery, which will keep him out for up to eight weeks. Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu has been absent for most of the season, having made just one league appearance, leaving Arsenal short of options at the back.
Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco acknowledged the challenging conditions during the match against Israel, noting that multiple injuries, including Trossard’s and Zeno Debast’s, impacted the game. “It was a difficult match for several reasons, including injuries before and during the game,” he remarked.
Adding to Arsenal’s challenges, Declan Rice has been managing a fractured toe, and his availability for Arsenal’s upcoming matches remains uncertain. Similarly, doubts linger over Saka’s fitness.
Without Trossard and potentially Saka, Arteta might rely more heavily on players like Gabriel Martinelli and Raheem Sterling to step up in the attacking roles.
Arsenal’s troubles are further exacerbated by disciplinary issues this season, with three red cards already recorded. Trossard and Rice were sent off in matches against Manchester City and Brighton, respectively, while William Saliba saw red in a defeat to Bournemouth.
These setbacks have left Arsenal fourth in the Premier League, trailing league leaders Liverpool by nine points.
As injuries mount and results remain inconsistent, Arteta faces a crucial period to stabilize the team and keep Arsenal’s title ambitions alive. With the squad stretched thin, managing fitness and form will be pivotal to navigating the challenges ahead.
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