Arsenal hit by FOURTH international withdrawal as key star pulls out with injury

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Arsenal have been dealt another injury blow as Leandro Trossard has withdrawn from Belgium’s squad for the upcoming international break due to a hip problem.

The forward was set to join his national teammates for friendlies against USA and Mexico but will now remain at London Colney to focus on his recovery. The decision was made in consultation with Arsenal following the hip issue Trossard sustained during the recent match at Mansfield.

Trossard played 82 minutes of Sunday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City at Wembley before being substituted for Gabriel Martinelli. The 31-year-old’s withdrawal marks the fourth Arsenal player to pull out of international duty this month.

Growing injury list

William Saliba has also been ruled out of France’s fixtures against Brazil and Colombia due to recurring pain in his left ankle. The French Football Federation confirmed Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix will replace the centre-back, who requires a minimum 10-day rest period.

“William Saliba is unable to join the French national team’s training camp, which begins this Monday, March 23. The Arsenal centre-back is suffering from recurring pain in his left ankle, requiring treatment and a minimum rest period of 10 days.”

Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber have also withdrawn from England and Netherlands squads respectively. Eze has been replaced by Harvey Barnes in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, while Arsenal’s Ben White has been recalled to the England setup for the first time in three years.

Captain Martin Odegaard remains sidelined with a knee injury that has kept him out of action for a month, adding to Mikel Arteta’s injury concerns.

Crucial period ahead

The timing of these withdrawals comes during a pivotal phase of the season. Arsenal face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, April 4, followed by a Champions League clash away to Sporting in Portugal on Tuesday, April 7.

The Gunners then return to Premier League action the following Saturday as they navigate a jam-packed end to the campaign with three trophies still up for grabs.

Arteta will be hoping some of his injured stars can return in time for the Southampton cup tie, with the international break providing valuable recovery time for those staying behind at the training ground.