Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already had to deal with plenty of injury issues this season.
The Arsenal boss’ woes have now been added to in this regard.
Leandro Trossard picked up an injury whilst on international duty. The attacker was substituted in the first half, having sustained a knock during Belgium’s Nations League defeat against Israel.
This latest blow will create team selection issues for Mikel Arteta, if Trossard is out of action for a significant period of time.
Arsenal fans respond to Leandro Trossard injury news
The Belgian has been a regular starter for the Gunners in recent weeks, as he was often required to cover for Martin Odegaard, whilst the Arsenal captain was sidelined with his own injury.
Odegaard will still need to be handled with care, meaning that he may not be able to play every minute of Arsenal’s coming games.
On top of that, Trossard was also relied upon to compete with Gabriel Martinelli for game time on the left flank.
With Trossard now out of action, Arsenal fans on X now expect Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling to step up and provide cover and competition for Odegaard and Martinelli, respectively.
One asked: “Ethan Nwaneri must now get minutes with Leandro Trossard injured, right?”
Another stated: “I just clocked Trossard injury means, Sterling will now get more playing time.”
One said: “Trossard has not been up to standard of late. It will force Arteta’s hand to find a replacement option such as Sterling and Nwaneri.”
One Arsenal supporter added: “Make no mistake, a Trossard injury is a blessing in disguise for Arsenal… Give his minutes to Nwaneri, Jesus and sterling, at least Jesus can do wing shifts.”
Another gave his verdict on Arteta’s options: “Nwaneri in the middle but what about out wide? Martinelli needs cover and Trossard was first choice. So it’s either Jesus or Sterling.”
Another chipped in with: “Sterling much better than trossard. Needs match fitness. Coach doesn’t have a choice now.”
Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri must now step up
Sterling has failed to make an impact at the Emirates Stadium since his loan arrival from Chelsea on transfer deadline day.
However, the 29-year-old is a proven star, with four Premier League titles to his name. He is a very experienced operator, and Arteta has every right to expect him to deliver when called upon.
Arsenal signed Sterling to provide reliable back up when needed, and that is exactly what Arteta requires from the 82-cap England international now.
Meanwhile, Hale End academy wonderkid Nwaneri has established himself in the first team this season, and has shown that he is ready to compete at the highest level.
Arsenal fans have been desperate to see more of Nwaneri in action for some time, and may now be set to get their wish.
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