Arsenal have already had to cope with several injuries in attack this season. Most recently, it is Noni Madueke who has suffered from a fitness problem. The England winger will miss the next couple of months due to a knee issue. He joins Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines.
However, the Gunners are bolstered in attack ahead of the weekend’s trip to Newcastle United. Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Martin Odegaard could return to the squad after injury. Bukayo Saka is also confirmed to be fit after playing an hour in the Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.
Arsenal’s injury issues in attack have meant Arteta has needed the full depth of his squad. Leandro Trossard got the nod to start against Manchester City last weekend.
Trossard’s performance against Man City
It has been a strange season so far for Belgium international Trossard. He’s very much been on the periphery of Arteta’s squad, playing just 166 minutes in five games. He was also an unused substitute in two Premier League games.
Yet, his impact has been notable when given the opportunity. He has two goals and two assists, which include one of each in the Champions League against Athletic Club. From the start, however, he has struggled to have an impact.
Arteta’s substitutes combine as Trossard doubles Arsenal’s lead assisted by Martinelli 👠📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/8C4H3LfaYt — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 16, 2025
The former Brighton winger has only started once this season, in their recent 1-1 draw against Man City. It certainly wasn’t the best performance, with The Standard journalist Simon Collings rating his efforts a 5/10. Collings said it was ‘frustrating’ watching Trossard against City.
Indeed, the stats show just how much of a disappointing performance the 30-year-old forward put in from the left wing. He lost the ball 14 times, failed to create a chance, and didn’t complete any of his three crosses, per Sofascore.
With that poor performance in mind, it might not be a surprise to see Trossard ruthlessly dropped out of the lineup against Newcastle. Arteta could have the perfect replacement lined up.
Who Arteta could replace Trossard with
The Gunners are certainly short of attacking options ahead of their tough trip to St James’ Park. Madueke would surely have been a lock to start against Eddie Howe’s side, but he is, of course, sidelined. Eberechi Eze could operate out wide, but he shone in midfield against Port Vale.
Instead, Gunners boss Arteta could turn to 18-year-old attacker Ethan Nwaneri to start out wide against the Magpies. The Hale End graduate has played four times this season, and whilst all those appearances have come from central areas, he can certainly play on the wing.
Arsenal’s Spanish gaffer has shown adaptability this season when it comes to playing left-footed wingers on the left flank, which would be the case with Nwaneri. It is a role Madueke has filled already, with Saka operating on his favoured right-hand side.
Nwaneri certainly has the technical ability to operate out on the left and help break down the low block that Newcastle could well employ. This is something they have done in the past, as noted by analyst Adrian Clarke on the Premier League website.
Described as a “special talent” by Statman Dave, the 18-year-old created an average of 1.3 key passes last season for the Gunners. He could be crucial to unlocking the Magpies’ defence, who will no doubt be resolute.
| Nwaneri key stats 24/25 in all comps | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stat | Per 90 mins | Season total |
| Minutes | 38.8 | 1436 |
| Goals and assists | 0.7 | 11 |
| Key passes | 1.3 | 20 |
| Dribbles completed | 2.9 | 47 |
| Tackles and interceptions | 1.5 | 24 |
| Expected goal involvements | 0.29xGI | 4.67xGI |
| Stats from Sofascore | ||
The youngster is excellent when carrying the ball in tight spaces. Again, this could be important in breaking down the potential low block Howe will use. There won’t be much space to run with the ball, so having a player who is excellent at keeping possession in tight areas could be key.
This goal for England under-21s is a prime example.
Another angle of Ethan Nwaneri’s first goal for our U21 #YoungLions 💫 pic.twitter.com/0f32OJ6PuV — England (@England) March 25, 2025
Given how Newcastle deep might play against the Gunners on Sunday afternoon, Nwaneri could be a vital part of Arteta’s plan. His impressive technical ability to both pick an incisive pass and keep the ball in tight spaces could be key if the Magpies do play with a low block.
Arteta certainly trusts the 18-year-old, and giving him a chance out on the left would further show just how highly he rates him.
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