Latest News Arsenal receive massive Gabriel Martinelli injury boost

Arsenal have received a significant injury boost, with Gabriel Martinelli expected to return from injury this month following new insights

Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal have received a significant injury boost ahead of the March international break, with Gabriel Martinelli among the players shortlisted by Brazil for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Mikel Arteta’s side has been struggling for goals in recent weeks, with key forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury. The Gunners’ attacking concerns have been further compounded by long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martinelli, leaving Arteta with limited options in attack at a crucial stage of the campaign.

In response to the crisis, Arteta has resorted to tactical adjustments, including deploying midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker. The experiment initially proved successful, as Merino came off the bench to score twice in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Leicester City. However, the Gunners have since failed to find the net in consecutive Premier League games against West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli

Despite currently being sidelined with a hamstring injury, Martinelli’s inclusion in Brazil’s preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina suggests he may be nearing a return. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed a 52-player shortlist on Friday, featuring both Martinelli and Arsenal teammate Gabriel Magalhães.

Brazil head coach Dorival Júnior is set to announce his final 23-man squad next week, with Gabriel expected to make the cut. Martinelli’s presence on the shortlist, however, indicates he remains in the manager’s plans, even as he continues his recovery.

While the shortlist serves as an initial selection, with more than half of the players expected to be omitted from the final squad, Martinelli’s inclusion raises questions about his potential availability. The winger is currently projected to return in April, but Arteta has suggested he is slightly ahead of Saka in terms of recovery.

With Arsenal’s attack struggling for form, a potential early return for Martinelli would provide a timely boost.