Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been dealt yet another injury concern ahead of the upcoming Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
Arsenal’s frustration with international breaks may be deepening, following concerns over Gabriel Martinelli’s fitness while on duty with Brazil.
Martinelli traveled with the national team riding a wave of confidence, having scored two goals and provided two assists in his last five appearances for the Gunners.
He featured as a substitute in Brazil’s crucial 2-1 victory over Chile in Santiago on Friday. However, alarm bells rang soon after, with reports emerging of a potential calf injury.
According to TNT Sports Brazil, Martinelli has been experiencing discomfort in his calf in the lead-up to Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Peru in Brasilia.
On Sunday, he was seen consulting with the team doctor at the hotel, and later underwent a precautionary scan after training.
While the injury is not believed to be serious, Arsenal fans will be holding their breath until the results of the scan are confirmed.
This latest scare comes on the heels of other recent international setbacks for the Gunners.
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has been sidelined since suffering a serious injury while representing Norway on September 9, and his recovery continues.
Additionally, Bukayo Saka gave fans a scare on Thursday when he limped off during England’s 2-1 loss to Greece.
He was subsequently left out of the squad for Sunday’s Nations League clash against Finland in Helsinki, returning to Arsenal for further evaluation, reportedly with a hamstring issue.
In a welcome relief for Arsenal, U21 manager Lee Carsley delivered some reassuring news regarding Saka’s condition, offering hope that the winger’s absence may be brief.
“Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him,” Carsley said ahead of the Finland game.
“He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”
Mikel Arteta is optimistic about a similarly positive outcome for Gabriel Martinelli, who has recently found his form after a slow start to the campaign.
Arsenal will face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, aiming to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, and they will be eager to have Martinelli available for the match.
Read more: Like Bob Paisley following Bill Shankly – Evaluating the impact of Arne Slot at Liverpool
Roy Keane slams Trent Alexander-Arnold after England defender scores in Finland win
