According to various reports, Gabriel Martinelli was absent from training today as Arsenal geared up for the Europa League clash with PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates.
The Brazil international played the full 90 minutes against Leeds United on Sunday and is understood to have picked up a kick to his calf and presumably won’t be risked tomorrow.
The 21-year-old is probably due a rest given he’s featured in all 13 of Arsenal’s matches this season; the third most minutes (1,051) of any of Mikel Arteta’s squad behind Granit Xhaka (1,078) and Gabriel Magalhaes (1,080).
With Emile Smith Rowe still sidelined following groin surgery, it means there’s an opportunity for someone else to stake a claim to a spot on the left flank, most likely Reiss Nelson.
In his pre-game press conference, Arteta also allayed fears that Oleksandr Zinchenko might not play again before the season breaks for the World Cup.
The Ukraine international hasn’t featured since the win over Sp*rs at the start of the month because of a calf problem but the boss predicted he’ll be back soon.
Asked if he was worried about Zinchenko, Arteta said. “No, I don’t think so. Obviously, he had a current injury in his calf and that’s why he’s been out for this period.”
Originally scheduled to take place a few weeks ago, the Gunners head into the match with PSV knowing a win will put them in a prime position to secure top spot in Group A. Arsenal then travel to Southampton on Sunday before the return fixture in Holland in eight days’ time.
Nooooo.
Wishing all of our players good health. We can’t cope with another injury, especially not to G. Martinelli
I wouldn’t worry. Sounds like a knock and a precaution rather than a serious injury. He’ll be back for the weekend, and PSV is the perfect game to give him a breather.
Charles Watts said he was just a bit unwell. So not a knock.
Ah. Article said calf. I’m glad a calf wasn’t harmed.
Definitely not with risking Martinelli for this game. PSV still have to play Bodo away. Nelson should be good on the left. We can also play Tommy as left back and put Tierney as a more advanced left Medfield/defense interchange with Tommy if needed. Jesus can also play left with Nketia up front. Southampton also have a midweek game so not a big advantage for our opponents on Sunday.
This would have been the ideal game for Omari Hutchinson. Shame that.
Shame indeed, but I.ll take Nelson and see if he can make the step up
Not a hope with this one I’m afraid to say,not good enough 😔
Hutchinson chose to play for Chelsea’s Under 21s when he could have stayed and played first team minutes for Arsenal. His choice.
I’m sure Chelsea will never bring in more experienced big name players to block his chances there, they wouldn’t do that would they?
I hope Reiss takes this opportunity to stake his claim for a starting berth in the absence of Gabby’s and ESR. After all he’s familiar with Dutch football having spent last season and even winning the Europa conference league with Feyenoord.. Come On You Red Gunners!
I admire how your memory blocks out Moaninho.
We need a better solution than Reiss Nelson if he’s out for any longer. Jesus left with Nketiah centre forward?
good players getting kicked isn’t a new thing, but with all the attention placed on treatment of referees these days, perhaps they should also be doing more to protect the players from tactical and rotational fouling
The games before the world cup are all winnable, if we win all our league games then break for the world cup then all of a sudden the January transfer window is open and we can strengthen the team. The pundits are predicting us to falter due to a lack of squad depth but if we get to January top of the league we could give it a real go. Cmon the gunners!
Fairly sure Vieira could do a good job on the left of the attack. Give Gabi-goal a much deserved rest – in order to tear Southampton a new one at the weekend.