Explained: Why Leandro Trossard is missing for Arsenal vs Tottenham as Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah start North London Derby together up front

The 28-year-old forward was hoping to enjoy an extended run in the Gunners side after seeing Gabriel Martinelli ruled out. The Brazil international picked up a knock against Everton in Arsenal’s last Premier League game and has not been seen since - with Trossard scoring a match-winning goal at Goodison Park off the bench.

Martinelli was absent from Mikel Arteta’s matchday plans once again versus Spurs. When the team sheets dropped, however, it was also revealed that Trossard would be forced to sit the game out. Arsenal revealed that a “slight muscle issue” was keeping him on the sidelines.

Arteta later stated that Trossard had “felt something” in training, with no risks being taken on his fitness. Big-money summer signing Kai Havertz could have slotted back in for Arsenal as they stuck with a settled system, but the Gunners have decided to field strikers Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the same starting XI.

Arsenal and Spurs have made bright starts to the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, with both sides picking up 13 points from their opening five games. They are looking to keep pace with defending champions Manchester City at the top of the table.