Arsenal are facing a nervous period as the final stretch of the season gets closer. Several key players have withdrawn from international duties prematurely, causing fears about their title plans. The latest Leandro Trossard injury news has worried the fans who are looking for a strong finish across three competitions.
Leandro Trossard withdraws from Belgium squad
Leandro Trossard has withdrawn from the Belgium national football team squad. He sustained a hip injury during the Carabao Cup final match against Manchester City on Sunday. The forward felt discomfort late in the game and left the pitch in the 82nd minute. While he appeared fine immediately following the match, the decision to withdraw him from international duty followed shortly after.
This hip problem has troubled the player recently. He originally picked up the issue during an FA Cup match with Mansfield on March 7. Consequently, he missed the next Premier League game against Everton.
He also missed the first leg in the Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen but returned for the 2nd leg. He even gave an assist and helped his team in securing the quarterfinal spot. But the injury persisted throughout this period.
Belgium are gearing up for matches in North America without their experienced winger. Coach Rudi Garcia at first called him up in a group of 28 players. However, reports say that the federation and Arsenal consulted about the player and agreed that he needed time to recover. His absence means Belgium must play friendlies against the United States and Mexico without his creative skills.
A growing fitness crisis Arsenal
The case of Trossard is not the only issue the camp is facing. The Gunners are dealing with a major fitness crisis during this international break. Six senior players have been forced to stay behind for treatment.
Gabriel Magalhaes pulled out of the Brazil squad after having right knee pain. Moreover, Saliba is nursing a recurring ankle injury.
Timber and Eze have also withdrawn from the Netherlands and England squads. Eze is dealing with a calf problem which he picked up during the Champions League tie with Leverkusen. Timber is battling an ankle issue.
Meanwhile, captain Martin Odegaard was left out of the Norway squad entirely to recover from a knee injury. Also, Noni Madueke picked up a wrist injury while training before the Cup final. He is still fit for the England squad, but the coaching staff are tracking his status closely.
The recovery path for Leandro Trossard and Arsenal
The injuries have come at the worst possible time for the club. They will face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on April 5. Shortly after, they travel to face Sporting CP for the Champions League quarter-finals. Also, the stakes in the Premier League are high as the title race hits its peak. A crucial match against Manchester City looms on April 19. Trossard is a vital part of the squad depth needed for these games.
But there is some hope within the camp about the coming international break. The medical staff view this stretch as a chance for the injured players to rest and recover. This will also allow the staff to keep a close eye on rehab of the players.
As a result, the Belgian’s withdrawal is viewed as a preventive measure. The Gunners are keen to avoid a long-term layoff for a player who holds a market value of around €20m. However, the exact date for his return remains uncertain. The club hopes the 10-day break period will be enough for the player before he can play against Southampton.
Trossard’s range across the forward line has been vital this season. He has helped as a winger and second striker as well as centre forward throughout many matches. His potential absence will raise major concerns about squad depth during this high-stakes period. Arsenal need him fit to ensure they can compete for the three trophies.
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Souvik Bose
Souvik Bose is a junior football writer at Football Express, where he contributes articles focused on ongoing developments and discussions from the football world. His work involves covering news stories, key talking points, and the narratives that shape how fans engage with the sport. At Football Express, Souvik focuses on delivering football coverage that is timely, informative, and accessible to readers following the game closely. His writing reflects a deep interest in the evolving culture of football and the stories that emerge around the sport’s biggest moments.
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