Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has released an update on Gabriel Martinelli.
Gabriel Martinelli left home in discomfort when Arsenal travelled to the Netherlands to face PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.
However, it is possible that the Brazilian will return to action for the Gunners when they face Brighton this afternoon.
According to Mikel Arteta, quoted through the club’s official website, “Martinelli is fine”.
If he is back in good shape, the 22-year-old will most likely start against the Seagulls. Martinelli is obviously Arteta’s favourite first choice on the left flank and, in any case, Leandro Trossard has struggled to produce his form in recent outings.
That said, Martinelli has struggled to offer a reliable source of final product so far this season. After making 19 appearances in all competitions, Martinelli has scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists. Given his pace, tactical intelligence and finishing ability, he is capable of a return rate superior to that.
Since Gabriel Jesus is not the most prolific striker, it is imperative for the Gunners to score goals in and around midfield. Kai Havertz has been in perfect goalscoring form in recent weeks. Martinelli will now try to stick to his suit.
Arteta now hopes that Martinelli can remain compatible and healthy and succeed in top form very soon. It would be a huge boost for the Gunners if the Brazil international, who has made nine international appearances, manages to overcome a prolific run.
If Martinelli has the compatibility to start or last the full 90 minutes against Brighton, Reiss Nelson will be hoping to get the chance to test himself on the left wing. Given the recent form of the 24-year-old Hale End academy graduate, many Arsenal enthusiasts need to see Arteta use him in that position.
In the meantime, Martinelli will continue as the regular starter on the left. Aside from offering a potent attacking threat, he can be relied upon to perform his defensive duties. Midfield veteran Jorginho has previously heaped praise on Martinelli for his work rate and attitude in this regard. Arteta will also greatly value the effort Martinelli willing to put in on a weekly basis on behalf of the team.
Martinelli has more daily defensive jobs than Saka on the right wing, as Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko leaves a lot of the box unprotected when he moves into midfield.