Leandro Trossard is a major doubt for the north London derby after a concussion substitution vs Wolves. Punters should consider Arsenal’s reduced attacking depth — backing Tottenham or a Tottenham/draw double chance, or taking Arsenal +0.5 Asian handicap, could be safer than backing Arsenal to win outright.
Arsenal face major doubt over Trossard ahead of north London derby
Leandro Trossard is a serious doubt for Arsenal’s meeting with Tottenham after suffering a head blow late in the Wolves game. The Belgian was removed under concussion protocols, leaving his availability for the derby uncertain as the club and medical staff complete assessments.
Incident and immediate aftermath
Trossard was introduced from the bench against Wolves and took a heavy knock to the head in the closing stages. Medical staff enacted a concussion substitution, and Trossard was withdrawn for further evaluation. Manager Mikel Arteta has yet to provide a detailed update and is expected to comment later in the week.
Concussion protocols and likely recovery timeline
The FA’s concussion procedures require immediate removal from play for suspected concussions, followed by medical assessment and at least a 24-hour rest if concussion is confirmed. Players then undergo a staged return that typically keeps them sidelined beyond the next match, making a weekend return unlikely if Trossard is diagnosed with concussion.
Additional injury concerns: Bukayo Saka
Arsenal also saw Bukayo Saka hobble off in the same match, compounding selection worries. While Saka’s issue is reported as potential and awaiting full assessment, simultaneous doubts over both attackers would force Arteta into reshaping his attacking options for the derby.
Why Trossard’s absence would be significant
Trossard offers close control in tight spaces, positional fluidity across the front line, a clinical edge in cutback scenarios and the ability to change tempo coming off the bench. Against a high-pressing, man-orientated Tottenham midfield and a defense that values clear reference points, his versatility is particularly valuable. Losing him reduces Arsenal’s tactical permutations and bench impact.
Potential team selection and tactical adjustments
If Trossard is unavailable, options include shifting Gabriel Martinelli or others into wider or central roaming roles, or deploying a different rotation strategy to preserve attacking balance. Arteta may opt for more conservative midfield control to protect a weakened forward line.
Betting implications
Trossard’s doubtful status (and Saka’s knock) weakens Arsenal’s attacking profile for the derby. For bettors, that suggests caution when backing Arsenal to win outright. Consider Tottenham or a Tottenham/draw double chance, backing Arsenal +0.5 Asian handicap for insurance, or markets on fewer total goals if Arsenal’s firepower is reduced.
What to watch this week
Monitor Arsenal’s official injury updates and Arteta’s press briefings for clearance outcomes. Confirmation of a concussion will almost certainly rule Trossard out, while clarity on Saka’s condition will shape final team news and tactical plans ahead of the north London showdown.
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Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard is a major doubt for the North London derby against Tottenham after suffering a suspected concussion against Wolves.
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