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Arsenal already know Leandro Trossard’s thoughts as Martin Odegaard suffers freak injury

Martin Odegaard has sparked fresh injury concerns for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.
-Credit: (Image: Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images)


Leandro Trossard has made it clear to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta that he can step into Martin Odegaard's shoes after the Norwegian's injury setback.

The scene was concerning as Odegaard, 25, was helped off the field in distress during Norway's 2-1 victory over Austria on Monday. And it appears he will be joining Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the sidelines at the Emirates Stadium.

But Trossard could be the silver lining for Arteta by filling the creative void in the attacking midfield role Odegaard has made his own in recent years. Since his arrival in North London in 2023, Trossard has been utilised on the flanks and as a 'false' nine, but The Mirror reported how he has hinted at a personal preference for the No10 role in the past.

Upon signing for Arsenal, Trossard highlighted his adaptability and desire to work under Arteta: "It helps me that I'm versatile and that I can play in different positions. 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 faces a tactical dilemma ahead of Sunday's trip to Tottenham for the season's first north London derby. With an early injury crisis and key midfielder Declan Rice suspended following his red card in the recent Brighton draw, the Gunners have their work cut out for them.

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Replacing Rice may be the most difficult challenge given Trossard seems ready to step in for Odegaard with little disruption. Despite Odegaard's indispensable status at the Emirates, Trossard has shown similar reliability in any role he's been given.

Having already lost points against Trossard's old club, Arsenal are facing an early examination of their Premier League mettle. There were high hopes this would be the year the Gunners finally overcome Manchester City, but Odegaard's injury is another blow that could hinder Arteta and his team.

The timing couldn't be worse, either, as Arsenal are set to kick off their Champions League campaign at Atalanta next week, just three days before they face City. It's still unclear how long Odegaard will be out for, but Norway manager Stale Solbakken expressed concern, saying the injury "looks bad."

Following the win over Austria, 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."

In the meantime, Norway team doctor Ola Sand provided an update on the situation. Speaking to TV2, he commented: "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."