North London, England — Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is set to miss over a month of action after suffering a hamstring injury.
The update was confirmed in a statement by Arsenal’s medical team following Martinelli’s early substitution during the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle.
His injury compounds Arsenal’s attacking woes, with Gabriel Jesus already sidelined for the season due to an ACL injury and Bukayo Saka not expected to return until mid-March.
Arsenal, currently second in the Premier League, failed to secure a new forward in the January transfer window despite pursuing Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Mathys Tel.
“We need to be flexible in attack,” Mikel Arteta stated before the Newcastle clash. “Players like Trossard, Nwaneri, and Martinelli will have to step up.”
The manager admitted disappointment over the club’s inability to strengthen its attacking options, saying, “We had clear targets but couldn’t achieve them. We remain committed to signing the right players.”
Despite his injury, Martinelli has joined the squad in Dubai for warm-weather training. However, he could miss crucial Premier League matches against Leicester City, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest in February, as well as Manchester United and Chelsea in March. His availability for Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 tie remains uncertain.
Martinelli was forced off in the 37th minute at St. James’ Park, clutching his thigh before being replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal trail Liverpool by six points in the league standings, with the leaders having a game in hand.
The club assured fans it remains committed to managing player fitness and maximizing squad depth in the title race.
By Taiwo Olatinwo| February 8, 2025
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