"You can't..." - Arteta told 'unreal' Arsenal star is now undroppable after Fulham win

Mikel Arteta cannot consider dropping Arsenal star Leandro Trossard from the starting XI after his performance against Fulham, according to former Gunners striker Jay Bothroyd.

Trossard recorded three assists against the Cottagers during his side's 3-0 win - becoming the first player in the Premier League to do so in the first half of an away match.

The feat was made more impressive by the fact that the Belgian was an injury doubt ahead of the match, having been nursing a groin problem suffered during the 3-2 win over Bournemouth last weekend.

But the 28-year-old recovered to start at Craven Cottage, and played 76 minutes as the central striker before being replaced by the returning Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian will hope to reclaim his spot at the centre of Arsenal's attack when he returns to full fitness - but Bothroyd believes that Trossard cannot lose his place in the team.

Bothroyd on Trossard selection

Bothroyd, who came through Arsenal's youth academy and was sold to Coventry for £1 million in 2000 without making a first team appearance, was summarising the Fulham game on Sky Sports.

And the former forward was adamant that Trossard must continue to start for Arteta's side in their upcoming Premier League matches - ahead of the returning Jesus.

He explained: "Jesus could play in the European games. When it comes to the Premier League games - Trossard, you can't take him out of the team now.

"He got three assists today. He's been fantastic since he's come in [from Brighton in January]. He's been a fantastic signing. Hope it all continues."

Trossard, who was described as 'unreal' by Rio Ferdinand two months prior to his Brighton departure, took his assist tally to seven in the league this season.

Speaking after the match, Arteta was full of praise for the Belgian, especially for the manner in which he recovered from injury in time to play.

He said (quotes via football.london): "He had an injury three days ago which could have taken a week, or another 10 days, but he was really willing to come back early and the doctors and medical staff did a lot of good work to get that. It makes a big difference to the team. We needed him today and his contribution was superb."