‘Ridiculous’ Arsenal star who loves playing Chelsea in contention for crunch Premier League showdown despite injury
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Leandro Trossard is in contention to feature in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal will take on Chelsea in a crunch match between the Premier League‘s top two, in what promises to be a memorable occasion.
Both teams are in superb form in the league, and enjoyed stunning victories in mid-week over fierce Champions League opposition.
Arsenal beat Bayern 3-1 on Wednesday, with Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli scoring to end the Bundesliga champions’ unbeaten streak.
While on Tuesday, Chelsea beat Barcelona 3-0 in a match that cemented their return to the major title discussion.
Mikel Arteta confirms Leandro Trossard could feature vs Chelsea
On Friday, Enzo Maresca confirmed that Cole Palmer could return against Arsenal on Sunday, after recovering from injury.
The Chelsea forward has been out since September, after fracturing his toe at home while already sidelined with a groin problem.
The England international has only faced Arsenal twice since making his move to the Blues, and his return will be a welcome boost for Maresca.
| Leandro Trossard | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Chances created | 11 |
| Successful crosses | 7 |
| Successful dribbles | 7 |
And there is positive news for Arsenal, too, after Arteta confirmed that Trossard could be ready to feature at Stamford Bridge despite limping off against Bayern on Wednesday.
“With Leo there’s another test today, we have to see how he’s feeling,” the Gunners boss confirmed on Friday. “It doesn’t look much, so we still have a few hours and we’ll have to see, it’s a potential chance.”
The Belgian has enjoyed a sensational start to the season, and starred in Arsenal’s 4-1 demolition of Tottenham in the North London derby last week.
“You’ve got Trossard, who has been ridiculous,” former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast after the game.
“He doesn’t get the love he deserves from the Arsenal fans, by the way. Since he signed, only [Bukayo] Saka has more goal contributions.
“The important goals he scores, whether it’s an equaliser or a late winner, his input has been a joke. He deserves massive props.”
Trossard has a strong record vs Chelsea
For both Brighton and Arsenal, Trossard has a strong record against Chelsea. The forward has faced the Blues on 10 different occasions, losing just once and winning four times.
In those matches, he has scored four goals, too, including in the 2023-24 season, in which he scored both home and away against Chelsea.
Throughout his time at Arsenal, and even at Brighton, Trossard has found a knack for scoring in the big games. It was seen against Tottenham last week, and it has been seen on countless other occasions.
Arteta will hope the Belgian can produce a similar moment at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with Arsenal hoping to further establish their title credentials.