Leandro Trossard withdraws from Belgium squad ahead of European Championship qualifiers
Leandro Trossard has become the latest Arsenal player to withdraw from international duty and will miss Belgium’s games against Austria and Sweden. The Gunners star started Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Manchester City but was forced off at half-time. Gabriel Martinelli came on in his place to make his first appearance since the end of August, scoring the winning goal at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta explained post-match Trossard had been unable to continue, forcing him to call upon Martinelli with club physios reluctant for him to be involved after his recent hamstring issue.
Belgium replace Trossard with Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren
Belgium have two European Championship qualifiers on the horizon away to Austria on Friday 13 October before hosting Sweden four days later. Trossard will not be involved however with the Red Devils confirming he has been replaced in the squad by Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren.
Trossard becomes the second player to pull out of international commitments with William Saliba withdrawing from the France squad on Sunday night. Shortly after Sunday’s final whistle at the Emirates, the French Football Federation confirmed the defender has been replaced by Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo, with Saliba carrying what a statement described as a ‘chronic’ toe injury.
Bukayo Saka misses Man City game but expected to report for England duty
Bukayo Saka meanwhile missed Sunday’s game after picking up an injury midweek with Mikel Arteta ruling his star man out of England’s double header against Australia and Italy.
‘No, he couldn’t make it,’ said the Arsenal boss when asked if Saka would go away with the national team. ‘He hasn’t had a single training session so he will be out. He’s not available to play football at the moment.’
However, the FA still expect Saka to report for duty at St George’s Park on Monday with the rest of Gareth Southgate’s squad. England’s medical team will assess him with hope he could be involved against the Azzurri next Tuesday.
That stance could leave them on collision course with Arsenal, however, who would prefer their player is given a rest during the duration of the international break before returning to action fully fit and refreshed in time to face Chelsea on 21 October.
Conclusion
Leandro Trossard has become the latest Arsenal player to withdraw from international duty due to injury, joining William Saliba and Bukayo Saka in missing out on their respective national teams’ fixtures. While Saliba and Trossard have been replaced in their squads, Saka is expected to report for duty with England despite not being fit enough to play against Manchester City. With Arsenal hoping their players can return fully fit after the international break, it remains to be seen if Saka will be allowed to rest or if he will be called upon by Gareth Southgate.