Arteta gives Martinelli injury update

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given an update on winger Gabriel Martinelli, who suffered an injury during the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park. 

Martinelli was forced off after only 24 minutes of the Gunners’ hard-fought victory over Everton, leaving Arsenal fans worried about the Brazilian’s fitness ahead of the start fo the UEFA Champions League. 

Martinelli had just seen his goal ruled out for a dodgy offside call when he pulled up with an injury and had to be replaced by eventual match-winner Leandro Trossard. 

Arteta has now explained the nature of Martinelli’s injury, noting the reason why the Brazilian had to be brought off despite his importance to the team. 

Speaking after the win against Everton, Arteta described Martinelli’s injury as a “hammy [hamstring] setback, which gave the staff no other option but to replace him. 

He said, He felt something, he felt it in his hammy [hamstring] so he will need to be assessed. I think, something in the action in the run for the goal. He’s not normally a player to have muscular issues, but he had to come off. Let’s see.

Arteta also said that the player will need a more thorough assessment before a return date can be provided, although the Brazilian now looks set to miss Arsenal’s return to the UEFA Champions League when they welcome Dutch side PSV Eindhoven mid-week.