Christian Norgaard
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given fresh updates on the fitness of Christian Norgaard and Leandro Trossard following the Gunners’ 1-0 victory over Manchester United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
The game at Old Trafford, decided by a Riccardo Calafiori header, highlighted both Arsenal’s resilience and lingering concerns over their defensive solidity and attacking sharpness. But Arteta offered encouraging news on the injury front, with key players edging closer to full fitness.
Leandro Trossard was back in the matchday squad after recovering from a groin injury sustained during a pre-season defeat to Tottenham in Asia. The Belgian, who had been sidelined for several weeks, was able to return to training late last week and took his place on the bench against United.
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Arteta confirmed before the match that the forward’s recovery was on track: “I think he’s much better. I think he will be able to train again tomorrow, and if that’s the case, he will be fit.”
Arsenal - Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard (Image credit: Getty Images)
Trossard is now expected to make his first appearance of the season in Arsenal’s next league outing.
New signing Christian Norgaard was a surprise absentee from the squad at Old Trafford. Arteta later revealed that the Denmark international had picked up a minor issue.
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“He had a little issue the medical staff will address. He wasn’t able to play today,” Arteta explained.
The setback is not believed to be serious, but Arsenal will monitor his progress closely ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
The only long-term injury concern for Arteta remains Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian forward has not played since January, when Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United. Persistent knee problems forced him to undergo another surgery on a torn cruciate ligament earlier this year.
While Jesus has been sharing regular updates on his rehabilitation, Arteta is not expecting him back imminently. The 27-year-old is targeting a return before the end of 2025.
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