Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are just days away from beginning their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a high-profile clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Gunners head into the fixture with renewed confidence after a convincing 3-0 win over Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup last weekend, their final pre-season outing. Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres marked his first goal for the club in the victory, while Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz both returned from injury to prove their fitness.
Manager Mikel Arteta has few injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s opener and will be eager to see his side start strongly after three consecutive second-place finishes in the league.
Leandro Trossard missed Saturday’s friendly against Athletic Club, having been one of three injury doubts going into the match. While Havertz and Calafiori were passed fit to feature, the Belgian forward has been sidelined since picking up a groin injury in a pre-season defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last month.
Leandro Trossard (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arteta, however, is optimistic about Trossard’s availability for the United game. “I think he is going to be in a few days,” the Spaniard said. “He had a little niggle in the groin but he should be fine.” The Belgian is expected to be fit for the trip to Old Trafford against Manchester United on Sunday.
Another injury concern for Arteta is Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian forward has not played for Arsenal since January’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United, having been plagued by persistent knee problems. The Brazilian underwent surgery in the summer to repair a torn cruciate ligament and remains a long-term absentee.
While the striker has kept fans updated on his recovery, he is not expected to feature in the early weeks of the season.