Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is facing some injury concerns as the team enters the March international break, but the situation appears to be under control with only a few key players dealing with significant knocks.
One of the players causing worry was Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, who had to be substituted during Arsenal’s recent 6-0 win over Sheffield United due to a foot cut. Arteta addressed this along with other squad matters after the game.
Martinelli’s injury initially raised concerns, but they were somewhat alleviated when he was seen using crutches after Arsenal’s 2-1 victory against Brentford. This precautionary measure was likely taken to aid the healing process of his foot injury.
Before Arsenal’s Champions League match against Porto, Arteta provided an update on Martinelli’s condition, revealing that he hadn’t been able to participate in training but expressing optimism about his recovery.
Martinelli’s absence from the Brazil squad for their March internationals against England and Spain further emphasized the seriousness of his injury, especially as other key Brazilian players were also sidelined due to injuries.
However, despite the setback, there is hope that Martinelli will be fit in time for Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City after the international break. Martinelli’s impact against Manchester City was evident in their previous encounter in October when he scored the winning goal, securing Arteta’s second league victory against his former mentor Pep Guardiola.
Throughout the season, the 22-year-old has been a significant asset for Arsenal, featuring in 25 Premier League matches and showcasing his versatility with six goals and four assists from the left wing.
Moreover, his contributions in the Champions League against Sevilla and Lens have further highlighted his importance to Arteta’s squad. Martinelli’s ability to perform consistently and make a difference on the pitch underscores his value to Arsenal’s campaign.
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