ARSENAL star Gabriel Martinelli’s injury means he won’t break Roberto Firmino’s record for the most goals scored by a Brazilian in a Premier League campaign.
The winger, 21, had already equalled the record of 15 in a season that was set by Firmino in the 2017/18 season.
But an ankle injury inflicted on Martinelli by Arsenal target Moises Caicedo has ruled the Brazilian out for the rest of the season.
He had already equalled the record with a goal against Southampton during Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Southampton back in March.
Martinelli was embroiled in controversy during Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton.
Minutes prior to his injury, the forward was lucky not to see red for an elbow on Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma.
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And many have speculated that Caicedo’s tackle just minutes later was ‘revenge’ for the winger’s elbow on Mitoma.
The Arsenal winger was seen leaving the stadium in a protective boot.
With upcoming games against relegation threatened Nottingham Forest and a safe Wolves side, many thought Martinelli would go on to break the record held by Firmino since 2018.
The Liverpool forward, 31, is on a farewell tour after the club announced they would not renew his contract.
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He will be joined in leaving Liverpool by James Milner, Naby Keita, and, former Gunner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Jurgen Klopp said he hopes the forward will be fit for Saturday’s clash against Aston Villa in order to give him a proper farewell.
Speaking on Monday night, Klopp said: “In the middle of everything, we have to win the game,
“But around that, we want to show the respect and appreciation and love we feel for not only Bobby but all the boys who will leave in the summer. It will be a special day with a difficult game in between.”
Barcelona are the current front-runners to sign Firmino on a free transfer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
