Leandro Trossard plays down Arsenal worries amid Mikel Arteta snub

08 September 2023 , 09:26

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Leandro Trossard plays down Arsenal worries amid Mikel Arteta snub

Arsenal star Leandro Trossard is not concerned about game time as he stakes a claim to start for Belgium at next summer's European Championships.

Trossard, 28, joined the Gunners from Brighton in January. He ended last season with eight goals and 12 assists across his appearances for both clubs, with the majority of those assists (but only one of the goals) coming for the London side.

The former Genk man began this season by netting in the Community Shield, with Arsenal eventually winning on penalties against Manchester City. He has played just 62 Premier League minutes, though, and was left on the bench on Sunday as Mikel Arteta's team came from behind to beat Manchester United.

“A lot of young guys have come along who want to show themselves,” Trossard is reported by HLN of saying of his international situation, where he is in competition with the likes of Manchester City star Jeremy Doku. “That's good too.

"There are many good players, such as [Johan] Bakayoko and Doku. But I see that every week at Arsenal - that's nothing new."

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"I don't know how the national coach feels about that,” Trossard added, when addressing his lack of minutes at Arsenal. “I am still convinced that I will play enough matches. I will be ready for the European Championship.”

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Leandro Trossard has started just once for Arsenal this season (Getty Images)

Belgium reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2020, suffering a narrow defeat against eventual champions Italy. Their qualifying campaign for next summer's tournament in Germany has started promisingly under new manager Domenico Tedesco, and they face Azerbaijan and Estonia in the latest break as they look to keep up an unbeaten start.

Back in March, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke highly of Trossard's versatility. "We are really pleased with him," the Spaniard said. "He can play right, left; he can play as an attacking midfielder, as a nine, false nine.

"He's really contributing to the team. He really takes a lot of responsibility in games to make things happen - and we love that."

Trossard's only start this season came in the false nine role, when Arteta picked him to lead the line against Fulham. However, after a frustrating first half saw the Gunners trail going into the break, the Belgian made way for Eddie Nketiah.

After the international break, Trossard will be on the lookout for ways to impress both domestically and in Europe. Arsenal's next Premier League game is away at Everton, followed by a Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium.

Tom Victor