Leandro Trossard has already made it clear to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta that he’d jump at the chance to take up Martin Odegaard’s mantle following the Norwegian’s serious injury blow.
The optics didn’t look good after Odegaard, 25, had to be assisted off the pitch in tears during Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria on Monday. And he looks certain to join Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu on Arsenal’s treatment table for the time being.
However, Trossard himself may be the answer to Mikel Arteta’s prayers in the No 10 slot his captain has come to claim so resolutely in recent seasons. The Belgium international has lined up on the wings and as a false nine since moving to north London in 2023, but Trossard has suggested he could be even more effective in Odegaard’s role after admitting that was his dream position.
“It helps me that I’m versatile and that I can play in different positions,” he said upon joining the Gunners last year. “They’re looking forward to working with me and vice versa. I’m really excited to work with them and I think Mikel is a top coach.
“I like to be in the pocket behind the striker. On the wings, I can explore myself as well. I’m comfortable in either of those positions but if I were to choose, behind the striker – but it all depends on the system.”
Arteta has a tactical quandary ahead of Sunday’s visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the first north London derby of the season. In addition to an early spate of injuries, key midfielder Declan Rice will be absent for the derby duel after he was sent off in the recent draw against Brighton.
But while replacing Rice in the midfield pivot may prove problematic, Trossard looks capable of filling in for Odegaard with minimal loss. The Norwegian may boast undroppable status at the Emirates Stadium, but Trossard has proved himself similarly reliable in whatever position he’s been deployed.
Having already dropped points against Trossard’s former employers, Arsenal are undergoing an early test of their Premier League credentials. Hopes were high that this would be the season the Gunners finally get the best of Manchester City, but Odegaard’s injury is the latest setback that could hold Arteta & Co. back.
The timing of his absence is particularly poor given Arsenal are also due to open their Champions League campaign at Atalanta next week, three days before they visit City.
It’s yet clear how long Odegaard is facing on the sidelines but Norway boss Ståle Solbakken raised concern by admitting the injury “looks bad”.
Speaking after the game, Solbakken said: “It looked bad in the dressing room too. He didn’t have the nerve to continue. It is not certain that Arteta will call me tonight and praise me.”
Meanwhile, Norway doctor Ola Sand also offered an update. As quoted by TV2, he said: “He got a small ankle sprain. We will see, maybe we use ultrasound to look at it. If we are unsure, there will be an MRI tomorrow.”
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