Everyone associated with Arsenal let out a groan as news spread that Gabriel Martinelli had injured himself during warmups before Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Newcastle.
Video surfaced, it appeared to be an ankle injury, he received attention on the pitch, and was seen walking down the tunnel on his own weight. Good to see he could walk himself off, but after his long-term injury, it understandably caused a bit of panic from everyone. Martinelli was pulled out of the match, Reiss Nelson replaced him, and everyone has been waiting with bated breath to hear the prognosis.
After the match, Arteta stated that he was “gutted” by the injury and feared the worst himself.
Yesterday, in a press conference, Arteta was asked about Martinelli and gave some hints of positivity: “We don’t know how bad he is. He’s getting a scan this morning. We didn’t look after the game because he was in a lot of pain but yesterday he tested it a little bit better, so let’s hope. We have a scan today so let’s hope it’s not as serious and we can have Gabi back really soon. We will know more tomorrow, certainly.”
Today, The Guardian revealed that Martinelli’s scan went very well and the timeline looks extremely promising.
“The Guardian understands a scan found no severe damage and that, although the 19-year-old will miss Thursday’s match against Crystal Palace, there is a strong chance he will be available when Newcastle return to the Emirates for a Premier League fixture on Monday.”
The Guardian, Gabriel Martinelli ankle injury not serious in boost for Arsenal
Extremely positive news that will put a lot of Arsenal fan’s minds at ease. To only miss one —two if you count Newcastle — games, would be a great outcome for an injury that looked a little worrisome.
“It’s more bad luck,” said Arteta. “It’s only three injuries and they’re really different ones. One was a contact and the other one was something that can happen to anybody, so you have to be really unlucky. We’re going to scan him today, hopefully it’s not that bad and it doesn’t knock Gabi back but I was gutted for him because he was in pain and he was gutted.”
Everyone will hope the recovery is quick and without setbacks. Even if Martinelli can’t quite make Newcastle on Monday, the fact that he isn’t out for another month will mean a lot for his confidence and his ability to help Arsenal make a January and February push to put themselves back into contention for European spots and a Europa League run.
Update: Release their own team news ahead of Crystal Palace including Martinelli update:
“Gabriel Martinelli
Right ankle. Gabi turned his right ankle during the warm-up against Newcastle United on Saturday and was subsequently taken out of the starting line-up.
Gabi has progressed very well and we’re hoping that he will return to full training with the squad in the next few days.”
Gunner Thoughts 