ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has told forward Gabriel Martinelli it is ‘my fault’ that he has been sidelined for most of the season.
The 19-year-old has made just eight appearances for the Gunners since the beginning of the campaign, a significant drop off from the 26 games he played in last season.
But Arteta has reassured the talented teenager that he has not done anything to warrant being left on the bench.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of facing Olympiacos, the Arsenal boss said: “If anything it is my fault. He has done everything perfect.
“He trains incredibly well every day. His attitude cannot be any better. He is really disappointed that he is not playing more obviously.
“I have spoken to him, but he needs to be a little bit patient. He’s had some minutes, he’s had some games as well.
“And it’s true that the competition now for the front positions is very tough and he needs to be patient and he will get his chance.”
According to David Ornstein from The Athletic, Martinelli is fit and impressing in training.
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He also insists Arsenal are not considering loaning him out because they rate him very highly.
Arteta’s reluctance to play him appears to simply be a selection decision as the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have significantly increased his options going forward.
Martinelli netted ten times for the North London club last season but is yet to score in the 2020-21 campaign.
The Brazilian will be hoping he can play some part in Arsenal’s match tonight in the Europa League as they look to book their place in the quarter-finals by seeing off Olympiacos.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
