Arsenal duo Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard can be Europa League game-changers v Sporting

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Dean Ashton tips Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard to be game-changers for Arsenal against Sporting Lisbon. The 2-2 Europa League last 16 draw will also please Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal came from behind to save a draw in the first leg of their knockout tie at Sporting on Thursday. William Saliba (22’) broke the deadlock for the Gunners with his towering header. But Goncalo Inacio (34’) and Paulinho (55’) would respond to snatch the lead for the Leoes.

Granit Xhaka’s attempt to switch play to Gabriel Martinelli would later draw Arsenal level as Hidemasa Morita (62’) inadvertently scored an own goal. But Arteta was without Odegaard as a precaution due to illness. He also rested Trossard following his groin injury on Saturday.

Why did Odegaard and Trossard not play for Arsenal against Sporting Lisbon?

Odegaard travelled with Arsenal to Lisbon for their Europa League tie against Sporting. But Arteta elected to rest his captain as a precaution. The Gunners also do not believe Trossard has suffered a serious groin injury. But he did not train this Wednesday due to the problem.

Trossard sustained his injury 22 minutes into Arsenal’s 3-2 come-from-behind win over AFC Bournemouth last weekend. It was the 28-year-old’s ninth appearance under Arteta after a £20m, rising to £27m, transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion during the recent January sales.

Odegaard, meanwhile, had not missed any of Arsenal’s games beyond team selection since September 18. He missed the Gunners’ 1-0 win at Brentford in the Premier League due to a calf injury. The 24-year-old has otherwise started 27 of his 32 games in 34 available fixtures.

Ashton believes the absent duo can be Europa League game-changers for Arteta

Ashton feels Odegaard and Trossard returning in the second leg of Arsenal’s Europa League last 16 tie with Sporting can be game-changing for Arteta. Odegaard has scored nine goals and seven assists so far this term. While Trossard has a goal and two assists since joining.

“I think Mikel Arteta would be pleased just to get out with a draw and with no new injuries,” Ashton told talkSPORT (9/3, 19:43). “And they will really fancy their chances next week with the likes of Odegaard and Trossard back.”