Arsenal are optimistic that Leandro Trossard did not suffer a serious groin injury against Bournemouth and hope the forward could return before the international break in two weeks’ time.
Trossard was forced off in the first half during Saturday’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium that maintained the Gunners’ five-point lead over title rivals Manchester City at the Premier League summit.
The £27million January signing pulled up when tracking back after a corner but the initial assessment of the injury is positive.
Trossard is due to have further tests on Monday but leaders Arsenal hope that taking him off quickly on Saturday prevented significant damage to his groin.
Arsenal face Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday night and Trossard is likely to miss that game in Portugal. But the Gunners hope he will be back within the next fortnight.
Striker Eddie Nketiah is also expected to miss the Sporting game due to an ankle injury after he was absent against Bournemouth. He is also a doubt for Sunday's game at Fulham.
Nketiah and Trossard’s absences should mean Emile Smith Rowe starts on Thursday night. He came off the bench to set up a goal against Bournemouth before being taken off again.
That decision was made as the midfielder is still building up his minutes as he works his way back to full fitness after groin surgery earlier this season.
