Leandro Trossard earned himself a one match ban after receiving two yellow cards in Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal on Sunday.
The Belgian was booked in the 34th minute for a professional foul on Savinho, before Michael Oliver showed the Arsenal No.19 a second yellow card for kicking the ball away just before the interval.
It was a moment which led to Trossard being criticised by many pundits – such as Jamie Carragher and Chris Sutton – seeing as Declan Rice was sent off for the same offence against Brighton just weeks ago.
However, Arsenal will not be without the Belgium international for their next Premier League clash – which comes against Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
-
Premier League
-
Arsenal
Leicester
-
-
Premier League
-
Arsenal
Southampton
-
-
Premier League
-
Bournemouth
Arsenal
-
So, why will Leandro Trossard be available for that game, despite his red card? Let’s take a look…
Why Leandro Trossard can play for Arsenal against Leicester City
For those who are unaware, suspensions received in domestic football – so the Premier League, FA Cup or Carabao Cup – can be served in any of these competitions, with European football a separate entity.
Fortunately for Arsenal, the next domestic outing – which Trossard is banned from playing in – comes on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup clash against Bolton.
Therefore, the 29-year-old can serve his ban in this game, and return to action against Leicester City on Saturday.
That is a major bonus for Arsenal, mainly because Mikel Arteta might not have even been planning to use Trossard against the Trotters, given the fact they are a League One outfit and key men are unlikely to be risked.
In our view, a Hale End graduate such as Ethan Nwaneri will start instead, or someone who needs minutes to get up to speed with his teammates, such as Raheem Sterling.
Great news for Mikel Arteta
Last season showed just how crucial every single Premier League game is in a title race against a juggernaut such as Manchester City.
For example, Arsenal won 16 of their last 18 Premier League outings, but it was not enough to secure the title, as the Gunners only won 12 of their first 20 games of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
Therefore, will some might think “it’s only Leicester” ahead of Saturday’s game, a highly effective player such as Trossard could well be the difference maker, so it is great news for Arteta that the man from Maasmechelen can play against the Foxes.
