Leandro Trossard shares moment with Riccardo Calafiori as Arsenal message sent to Mikel Arteta
Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori both broke out into smiles as the Arsenal duo shared a brief exchange at the conclusion of Italy’s clash against Belgium. With Stadio Olimpico as the venue, the two teams contested a feisty Nations League clash with Trossard and Calafiori both playing the full 90 minutes.
Italy flew into an early lead with two goals scored in the first 25 minutes, however Belgium were able to get back on level terms with Trossard at the heart of their comeback. Following a straight red card for Lorenzo Pellegrini, Trossard set up Maxim De Cuyper to pull one back.
Just beyond the hour mark, Trossard levelled the game with a deft poke towards goal after Wout Faes headed a deep corner into his path. The 29-year-old remained in the thick of the action as he later picked up a yellow card for after obstructing Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
At the final whistle, following a four-goal thriller, Trossard and Calafiori shared a warm embrace with the former appearing confused over something as he tried to carry on the conversation with his club teammate.
Trossard picking up two goal contributions and likely arriving back at Emirates Stadium in top form could be perfect for Mikel Arteta. On the same night, Bukayo Saka was also in action but his game evening ended very differently with the 23-year-old withdrawn early in the second half of England’s defeat to Greece because of injury.
The Gunners’ next Premier League clash arrives on Saturday evening at Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth with Saka currently a major doubt to make the clash. However, Jurrien Timber and Ben White could return having had two weeks to recover from their respective issues.
As for club captain Martin Odegaard, he has been absent since mid-September with ankle ligament damage suffered while playing for Norway. The midfielder has issued some positive updates on his recovery but he does not now look likely to feature until December.
