February 7th 2025.
Arsenal has been dealt another blow as Gabriel Martinelli joins their growing list of injured players. The Brazilian striker is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, adding to the Gunners' already mounting concerns.
During Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash against Newcastle United, Martinelli was forced off the pitch, leaving Arsenal with a disappointing 4-0 aggregate defeat. Despite attempts to bolster their squad with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Mathys Tel, and Alvaro Morata, the team failed to make any new signings during the transfer window.
The Athletic has reported that Martinelli's hamstring injury could see him miss up to six games, including crucial Premier League matches against Leicester City, West Ham United, and Nottingham Forest. This also puts his availability for upcoming games against Manchester United and Chelsea in doubt, as well as their Champions League knockout campaign.
The 19-year-old was substituted in the first-half of the Newcastle game, exiting the field after just 37 minutes. Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, later confirmed that Martinelli felt discomfort in his hamstring and was unable to continue playing. An MRI scan will be conducted to determine the extent of his injury.
The Gunners are already without the services of Bukayo Saka, who has been sidelined since December with a hamstring injury. Although he traveled with the team for their warm-weather training in Dubai, Saka is not expected to return to action until next month.
With both Saka and Martinelli out, Arteta's attacking options are limited to just one first-choice player - Kai Havertz. The German international, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea, will have to shoulder the responsibility of leading the front line, with Raheem Sterling struggling to make an impact since his loan move.
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