GABRIEL MARTINELLI hailed Arsenal fans’ “amazing support” as the Brazilian teen striker made his long-awaited, and possibly much-needed, return from injury.
Last season’s 11-goal sensation said it was a “great feeling” to rack up 45 minutes for the Gunners’ Under-21s in a 3-0 Papa John’s Trophy defeat at AFC Wimbledon.
Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli was delighted to get 45 minutes under his belt on his return in the U-21s’ Papa John’s Trophy tie at WimbledonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
William Saliba was one of two Arsenal U-21 players sent off late in the 3-0 defeatCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arsenal will ease the 19-year-old back carefully as he had been sidelined since June with a left knee injury.
But they certainly need his dynamism with skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring just twice in the Premier League this season as the shot-shy Gunners flounder in sixth-bottom.
Martinelli posted after his comeback: “It was a great feeling to get minutes tonight – huge thanks to the medical and physio teams at Arsenal for their fantastic work and to the fans for the amazing support during my long recovery.”
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The Brazil Under-23 international became the first Arsenal teenager to reach double figures in a single campaign when he broke through last season.
And on an eventful night at Wimbledon he showed flashes of brilliance before understandably tiring and being replaced for the second period.
Martinelli linked well wth William Saliba when the 19-year-old strode forward from the left of central defence.
But Saliba was the second Gunner to see red at the League One side.
Ryan Longman and Paul Osew netted after the break when the Dons finally got on top.
Tim Akinola and Saliba were then both sent off in the final ten minutes for second bookings.
Joe Pigott completed Wimbledon’s impressive second round-win deep in stoppage time.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
