Arsenal's Leandro Trossard out of Belgium squad through injury

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 09 October 2023

Arsenal attacker Leandro Trossard pulls out of the Belgium squad for October's Euro 2024 qualifiers with Austria and Sweden due to a hamstring injury.

Arsenal attacker Leandro Trossard has been forced to pull out of the Belgium squad for October's internationals due to a hamstring injury.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man was given the nod out wide for Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester City, only to come off during the half-time interval.

Trossard's substitution appeared to be a tactical one at the time, as Mikel Arteta introduced Gabriel Martinelli, who was back from his own hamstring issue to take on the champions.

Martinelli would come up with the decisive goal towards the end, as his 86th-minute shot hit Nathan Ake in the face, wrong-footed Ederson and nestled into the back of the net.

The Brazilian's deflected strike propelled Arsenal to their first league win over Man City since December 2015, while also ensuring they avoided a 13th successive Premier League loss against Pep Guardiola's team.

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard goes down injured on July 19, 2023 © Reuters

Speaking to the press after the game, Arteta revealed that Martinelli was brought on earlier than expected due to a hamstring niggle for Trossard, who has now withdrawn from the Belgium squad.

In his place, Red Devils head coach Domenico Tedesco has called upon 18-year-old Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, as Belgium seek to continue their unbeaten start to Euro 2024 qualifying Group F.

Belgium boast 13 points from their opening five games to sit top of their group - above Austria on goal difference - and Tedesco's side meet the current runners-up on Friday before welcoming Sweden to Brussels on October 16.

Trossard is one of three Arsenal players to have withdrawn from international duty this month, as his fellow winger Bukayo Saka pulled out of the England squad on Monday evening with a hamstring concern of his own.

The 22-year-old was absent from Sunday's triumph over Man City, ending a record-breaking run of 87 consecutive Premier League appearances for the Gunners, despite Arteta claiming before the game that he would be in contention.

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard celebrates scoring their second goal with teammate Bukayo Saka on September 20, 2023 © Reuters

Saka did report for duty at St George's Park on Monday, but upon assessment of his injury, the decision was made for the winger to remain with Arsenal to undergo rehabilitation.

Prior to Saka and Trossard's withdrawals, William Saliba dropped out of the France ranks due to a "chronic" injury in his big toe, which he is believed to have been nursing for a couple of weeks.

Arteta is also working without ACL victim Jurrien Timber for the long term, but Thomas Partey made his return from a groin injury as a substitute against the treble winners.

The second-placed Gunners are only behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur on goals scored and are back in action away to London rivals Chelsea on October 21.