Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard says he is still hopeful that he will play enough games for the Gunners this campaign to give himself a chance of making Belgium’s squad for Euro 2024.
The 28-year-old has started just one match so far this season and, asked whether his place in the international setup was in jeopardy, Trossard replied:
“I don’t know how the national coach feels about that. I am still convinced that I will play enough matches [for Arsenal]. I will be ready for the European Championship.”
It should be noted that Trossard was taken off at half-time during the only game he started in against Fulham, with Eddie Nketiah replacing him.
The Belgian international has spent 77 minutes on the pitch in total across five fixtures, and it’s hard to see him getting much game time outside of domestic cup competitions.
Competition for places at Arsenal is fierce
It looks as though both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah are ahead of Trossard in the pecking order for starts at centre-forward so he is more likely to be deployed on the wings.
Both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are certain starters in the most important matches so he will be competing with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson to get on the pitch.
Against Manchester United last time out, Trossard was an unused substitute, with Nelson getting the nod ahead of him off the bench.
Trossard rarely lets the side down when he plays
Despite his limited opportunities so far this season, the winger has acquitted himself well when called upon by manager Mikel Arteta.
Trossard scored a memorable equaliser in the final moments of the Community Shield, before scoring in the shootout to beat Manchester City.
Even when he was taken off after 45 minutes versus Fulham, he didn’t perform poorly and you would still trust him to put in decent displays if he is needed in future.
