Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard sustained an injury during Belgium’s Nations League defeat to Israel, adding to Mikel Arteta’s growing list of fitness concerns. The Belgian winger was substituted just 37 minutes into the match, intensifying the Gunners’ injury woes, which already include Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice withdrawing from England’s recent squad due to their respective issues.
Trossard’s setback comes amid a challenging period for Arsenal. During the October international break, both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli picked up injuries, while Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Ødegaard were sidelined earlier in the season. Trossard, who last played in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk, is now expected to join Calafiori on the injury list.
Ben White also faces time out after undergoing knee surgery that is set to sideline him for up to eight weeks. Arsenal’s defensive options are further strained by the long-term absence of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has made only one league appearance this season.
Domenico Tedesco, Belgium’s manager, acknowledged the challenging conditions during their game and noted the injuries, including Trossard’s and Zeno Debast’s. He remarked, “It was a difficult game for several reasons, including injuries before and during the match.”
Declan Rice, who has been playing through a fractured toe, remains uncertain for Arsenal’s return to league action, and Saka’s availability is also in doubt. Without Trossard and potentially Saka, Arsenal may rely heavily on Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Martinelli as senior wingers.
Compounding their struggles, Arsenal’s season has been hindered by disciplinary issues, with three red cards thus far—Rice and Trossard were sent off in draws against Brighton and Manchester City, while William Saliba was dismissed in a loss to Bournemouth. These setbacks have left Arsenal fourth in the league, nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
With injuries mounting and results mixed, Arteta faces a pivotal period to get his squad back on track and maintain Arsenal’s hopes of challenging for the title.