In a disappointing turn for Arsenal fans, manager Mikel Arteta has shared concerning news about Leandro Trossard’s fitness following the team’s 2-1 Premier League loss to Aston Villa. The Belgian forward, who had just returned from a calf injury, was forced off late in the game, raising fears of another spell on the sidelines.
The Gunners found themselves trailing 1-0 at halftime after Matty Cash’s impressive strike for Villa. Arteta responded with a double substitution at the break, bringing on Trossard in place of Eberechi Eze. Trossard, who had missed Arsenal’s previous two matches after picking up the injury during their Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, made an immediate impact by scoring the equalizer.
However, his return was short-lived. In the 86th minute, Trossard was substituted, and Arteta later revealed that the player had begun feeling discomfort again. Speaking post-match, Arteta said: “He was really good. We knew he is another player coming back from injury and he started to feel it again so we had to take him off.”
‘He was really good,’ said Arteta. ‘We knew he is another player coming back from injury and he started to feel it again so we had to take him off.’
While Arsenal will retain the leadership of the table, regardless of results elsewhere this weekend, three away games without victory represents cause for concern.
This latest setback adds to Arsenal’s growing injury concerns, despite their deep squad. The team has been in formidable form, but three consecutive away games without a win is starting to ring alarm bells. Arsenal remain at the top of the Premier League table, regardless of other results this weekend, but the pressure is mounting as they prepare for a midweek European clash and a home fixture against struggling Wolves next weekend.
Arteta remains optimistic about his side’s ability to bounce back. “The level of consistency the boys have shown in this period is incredible so I only have thoughts to think we can do it again,” he stated. Reflecting on the defeat, he added: “Very painful, especially after all the effort in the match. It was an open game, congratulations to Villa they are a really good side.
“We conceded a big chance in the first half with Ollie Watkins’ goal. We had some dominance in the second half and I had the feeling we were going to win the game. So to lose it in the manner we did is painful. Eighteen games unbeaten, you lose a game and that’s what it is, this is football.
“It is what it is. We had a big chance when Declan [Rice] put the ball across for Noni [Madueke], they win a throw-in at the other end and get the goal – that’s football and the quality of this league.”
Trossard’s potential absence could be a blow for Arsenal, as the versatile attacker has been one of their most in-form players this season. Fans will be hoping for positive news in the coming days as the club assesses the extent of the issue.