Arsenal star opens up over gametime concerns after Arteta talks

Suraj Radia

11 Sept 2023 20:29 BST
3 min read

Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard has opened up on his lack of game time this season under Mikel Arteta, with the Belgian revealing he has spoken to his manager about his concerns.

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Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton in January for €24 million and was integral during his first few months at the club, grabbing ten assists in 20 games in the second half of last season.

However, the 28-year-old has played just 62 minutes in the Premier League this season, filling in as a utility player up front, out wide and even in central midfield.

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Speaking while on international duty, Trossard insisted he would be able to prove his worth to Arsenal while also securing a place in Belgium’s squad for the European Championships next summer, with a belief that he would get more game time to show his quality over the course of the season.

“We have a game every three days [at Arsenal], so it’s impossible to play with the same guys every time. It’s up to me to show myself when I get a chance. The coach told me that too,” Trossard told Belgian media.

“I am still convinced that I will play enough matches. I will be ready for the European Championship. A lot of young guys have come along who want to show themselves. That’s good too. There are many good players but I see that every week at Arsenal – that’s nothing new.”

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Trossard has seen his opportunities limited this season, with Arteta preferring younger stars such as Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

Despite scoring in the Community Shield against Manchester City, Trossard began the league season on the bench, making his one and only start as a striker against Fulham, where he was subbed off at half-time with the Gunners a goal down.

Trossard did not feature in the following game against Manchester United but played for Belgium against Azerbaijan in an unorthodox central midfield position, where he could find himself providing use for Arteta.

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Arsenal spent big money on Kai Havertz for the number eight role in the summer but the German has underwhelmed in four games so far, while the Gunners’ forwards have been in fine form, indicating that Trossard may be forced to adapt in order to gain game time.