"Started to feel it": Arsenal's "massive weapon" now doubtful to face Club Brugge after Arteta update

Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard could be doubtful to face Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday night after his late substitution against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Belgium international was a half-time substitute against the Villans in the Premier League with the Gunners trailing 1-0. He scored a crucial equaliser, but it was not enough in the end.

Villa came on top after a dramatic last-second winner from Emiliano Buendia. Trossard had a good outing despite the 2-1 defeat, but his availability for the upcoming European trip appears uncertain.

The 31-year-old was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli in the 86th minute. Speaking after the game at Villa Park, Arteta said that Trossard was substituted as he ‘started to feel’ a recurrence of his recent calf injury.

Arteta said: “He was really good. We know he is another player coming back from injury and he started to feel it again, so we had to take him off.”

Trossard could miss Wednesday’s clash vs Club Brugge

Trossard was heavily linked with an exit at the beginning of last summer, but the Gunners rewarded him with a pay rise on his contract expiring in June 2027.

The decision did not go well with some sections of the fanbase, but the Belgian has answered his critics and has been the club’s standout player in terms of goal contributions thus far.

He has bagged six goals and five assists from just 17 appearances this campaign. Trossard’s incredible game-changing ability has seen him described as a ‘massive weapon‘ by Arteta.

Trossard only recently recovered from a calf injury sustained against Bayern Munich. Based on Arteta’s comments, his substitution yesterday was more precautionary rather than tactical.

It remains to be seen whether he is deemed fit to face Brugge. We won’t be surprised if Trossard is rested in midweek.

He could return for Saturday’s late league kick-off against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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