ARSENAL have suffered another significant injury blow, with Gabriel Martinelli the latest casualty.
The 23-year-old was forced off in the 37th minute of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.
He went to ground holding his hamstring before limping down the tunnel.
Ethan Nwaneri – one of two attacking players on the bench – was on hand to replace him.
But the latest blow adds to Mikel Arteta’s growing list of injury concerns.
Star man Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury in December and was forced to undergo surgery.
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The England international is not expected to return until the spring.
Striker Gabriel Jesus has also been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.
The Brazilian fell awkwardly and was stretchered off during Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United last month.
Should Martinelli also be assigned to the physio room with a significant issue, the Gunners will be limited to just four senior attacking players.
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The latest setback comes just two days after the conclusion of the transfer window.
Arsenal failed to sign any players in January – much to the dismay of fans.
Arteta himself was also “disappointed” that his superiors failed to seal a deal.
He said: “We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that and I think we will.”
The Gunners made one attempt to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins last week but their offer was immediately rejected.
As well as the loss of Martinelli, Arsenal had to deal with a 2-0 defeat and exit from the Carabao Cup.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
