Arsenal will be without winger Gabriel Martinelli for several key matches after the Brazilian suffered a hamstring injury in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg defeat to Newcastle United, MySportDab Reports.
The Brazilian limped off mid-way through the first half at St. James’ Park, a frustrated figure as he hobbled off with Arsenal 2-0 down.
Newcastle completed a resounding 4-0 aggregate win, eliminating Arsenal from qualifying for the final. The defeat was compounded by news that Martinelli would miss at least a month, according to The Athletic
The 23-year-old will sit out Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures on Leicester City, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest. There are further fears he may be absent for the high-pressure showdown at Manchester United on March 9 and the London derby with Chelsea a week later.
Martinelli could also be absent for both encounters with Arsenal’s Champions League Round of 16 opponent, which will be either AC Milan, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord or Juventus.
The injury is another blow to Arsenal’s mounting fitness problems, with Bukayo Saka out and Gabriel Jesus missing for the season with an ACL injury.
Manager Mikel Arteta said recently that he was disappointed that the club did not add another forward during the January transfer window.
Martinelli’s replacement would be either teenage sensation Nwaneri or loanee Sterling. But Sterling has been unable to find consistency since his arrival from Chelsea.
With Arsenal continuing their quest for domestic success, as well as their chance to compete on a European stage as the Europa League returns, the loss of Martinelli sees Arteta faced with a significant selection headache in the upcoming weeks.
It remains to be seen how quickly he will recover, however, with fans hoping the Brazilian will not be sidelined for long, his link-up play and overall attacking presence having been integral to Arsenal’s forward play this season.
