GABRIEL MARTINELLI is set to hand Mikel Arteta a fitness boost before they face Chelsea on Boxing Day.
The Arsenal winger limped off in the 4-1 Carabao Cup defeat with Manchester City on Tuesday with a shin injury.
Martinelli, 19, was making his first start in nine months after overcoming a serious knee injury.
Despite his lengthy absence, the talented Brazilian showed his class with a fine run and cross to set up Alexandre Lacazette for the equaliser.
But his latest knock is not thought to be serious and he told fans on Twitter: “Feeling fine and ready to go again.”
Martinelli is expected to start if fit in an attack that could feature Alexandre Lacazatte and Nicolas Pepe.
Youngster Eddie Nketiah is pushing for a start but Lacazette’s goal against City is likely to give him the nod.
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is expected to miss out again as he battles to overcome a calf injury.
In midfield, boss Mikel Arteta will welcome back Granit Xhaka following his red card against Burnley.
With Thomas Partey out injured, he could line up alongside Dani Ceballos with Hector Bellerin and Bukayo Saka deployed as wing-backs.
In defence, both Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney were rested against Man City and are expected to come back into the frame, with Gabriel keeping his place.
Struggling Arsenal head into the clash without a league win in seven and sitting just four points above the drop zone.
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Mikel Arteta reflects on painful Arsenal defeat to Man City in the Carabao Cup
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
