Mikel Arteta has delivered a worrying update on Leandro Trossard after the forward was forced off during Arsenal's painful 2-1 Premier League defeat at Aston Villa.
Trossard's Return Cut Short
The Belgian international, who had just returned from a calf problem, came off the bench at half-time to score a crucial equaliser at Villa Park. However, his comeback was curtailed when he was substituted in the 86th minute, with Arteta revealing the player "started to feel it again."
Trossard had missed Arsenal's previous two matches after sustaining the original injury in the Champions League victory over Bayern Munich. His latest setback compounds a growing injury list for the league leaders, despite their formidable squad depth.
Villa Park Defeat Dents Momentum
The match itself was a tale of two halves. Aston Villa took a 1-0 lead into the break thanks to a fine goal from Matty Cash. Arteta's double change at the interval, which included introducing Trossard for Eberechi Eze, sparked a rousing response from the Gunners.
Despite dominating the second period and believing they would win, Arsenal conceded a late goal to lose 2-1. This result extends their run to three away games without a victory, a cause for concern even as they retain top spot in the table.
Arteta Demands Response
Speaking after the match, the Arsenal manager praised his team's overall consistency but admitted the loss was "very painful." He congratulated Villa, calling them "a really good side," but rued the manner of the defeat after having a big chance through Declan Rice and Noni Madueke.
"Eighteen games unbeaten, you lose a game and that's what it is, this is football," said Arteta. His focus now turns to a midweek European fixture before a home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers next weekend, where he will demand an immediate reaction from his players.
The immediate priority, however, will be assessing the extent of Trossard's fresh injury concern, with the in-form player potentially facing another spell on the sidelines.
