Arsenal are firmly holding the first place on the Premier League points table after the much-anticipated game between Liverpool and Manchester City finished with a 1-1 scoreline. The result did not affect the standing of Mikel Arteta’s side, who remain at their peak, seeking to end their twenty-year drought of a league triumph.
The Gunners are in sensational form in domestic competition, undefeated this year. However, their only defeat came in the Champions League Last-16 fixture against Porto, whom they will meet again tonight at the Emirates stadium for the return leg. Meanwhile, Arteta provides the latest report on Gabriel Martinelli’s injury.
Mikel Arteta updates Gabriel Martinelli’s status for FC Porto game
Arsenal’s attacking starlet duo, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, were both taken off early against Sheffield United after a dazzling outing, putting 6 goals on the board. Martinelli suffered a cut on his left foot and subsequently missed the Gunners’ recent league win over Brentford on Saturday.
Unfortunately, the Brazilian winger will not be available for the must-win European Round of 16, second-leg clash against Porto at the Etihad. He missed the training session on Monday and is a major doubt for Mikel Arteta. However, there’s good news, as top-scorer Bukayo Saka has recovered from his illness and is fit to return.
When questioned about the chances of Gabriel Martinelli playing in the upcoming tie, Arteta answered, “We still have 24 hours and we’re trying to have everybody fit and available. The percentage you want? There are options. Sorry to disappoint you.”
However, Martinelli’s place in the squad looks increasingly unlikely.
The Premier League table-toppers must overturn their single-goal deficit against the Portuguese guests at home to advance to the Qquarterfinals. This comes after a narrow 1-0 defeat in the away game, courtesy of a late winner. They aim to secure a historic campaign by lifting both league and continental titles.
Gabriel Martinelli is out of Brazil’s squad for international friendlies
Gabriel Martinelli, the Brazilian international, has been withdrawn from the recently announced list of call-ups for Brazil’s national team squad for the March 2024 FIFA window international friendlies.
This development comes due to his recent injury, affecting his participation in the matches against England and Spain to be played later this month. Interestingly, the 22-year-old will be replaced by Porto forward Galeno, who scored the winner against Arsenal in the first leg at Estádio do Dragão.
In 2021, Martinelli finished as a gold medalist in national colors at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and eventually made his debut appearance for the Seleção in March 2022.
The winger has earned 9 caps for the 2002 World Cup champions, becoming a regular name in the national camp. He featured in the Qatar 2022 World Cup and the recent CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers last year.
