Trossard’s limp exit marks the latest in a concerning series of injury problems for Mikel Arteta during this month’s international break.
Leandro Trossard was forced off the pitch against Israel, adding to Arsenal’s growing list of injury woes. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were among the nine England players to withdraw from Lee Carsley’s squad after both were injured in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea a week earlier. “It doesn’t look good,” Arteta had grimly remarked when reflecting on the duo’s fitness.
Martin Ødegaard, who started and finished the disappointing trip to Stamford Bridge, also pulled out of Norway’s squad to avoid further complications in his recovery from an ankle sprain. The Arsenal captain had missed a month before his return just before the international break and consulted with Norway’s medical staff before making the decision. “I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process, and get my foot back in good shape,” Ødegaard explained.
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While the aforementioned players could all return for Saturday’s visit from high-flying Nottingham Forest, right-back Ben White may be out for several weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery during the break.
Trossard had been filling in for Ødegaard but struggled to match his teammate’s exceptional creative output. The Belgian has yet to provide a Premier League assist this season and has since lost his starting spot on the left wing to Gabriel Martinelli.