Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered cautious optimism regarding Leandro Trossard's availability for Sunday's Premier League showdown against Chelsea, revealing that the forward faces a final fitness assessment today.
Trossard, who has emerged as one of Arsenal's most prolific attackers this season with five goals in 15 appearances across all competitions, was forced off during the Gunners' 3-1 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. The Belgian international, fresh off scoring in the 4-1 north London derby win against Tottenham Hotspur, limped down the tunnel in the 38th minute after reporting discomfort in his left calf. His substitute, Noni Madueke, marked his return from injury by netting Arsenal's second goal in the match.
Speaking ahead of the top-of-the-table encounter at Stamford Bridge, Arteta emphasized a precautionary approach to the unspecified issue. "With Leo, there is another test today," the Spaniard said during his pre-match press conference. "We have to see how he is feeling. There is a chance [he could play]." Post-match against Bayern, Arteta had admitted the extent of the problem remained unclear, noting, "He said he felt something," and that the club was unwilling to risk exacerbating the injury.
Arsenal's medical team is conducting further assessments to gauge the muscle concern, with fears of a multi-week absence lingering should the injury prove more serious. Trossard's potential absence would represent a significant blow for the league leaders, particularly given his recent form, including strikes against Sunderland and Tottenham. In his stead, Arteta could turn to options like Gabriel Martinelli or Madueke on the left flank.
The Gunners could yet receive a boost elsewhere, with Arteta expressing hope that forwards Viktor Gyokeres (hamstring) and Kai Havertz (knee) might return in time for the fixture, potentially from the bench. Captain Martin Ødegaard, who featured against Bayern after his own injury layoff, is expected to be available.
This high-stakes London derby pits first-placed Arsenal against second-placed Chelsea, with both sides vying to assert dominance in the title race. A fit Trossard could prove pivotal in what promises to be a fiercely contested affair.
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