Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has been spotted on crutches ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League clash with Porto.
The Gunners picked up another win on Saturday evening, beating Brentford 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
We have become used to seeing Arsenal blow teams away in recent weeks but this was a much nervier affair.
Kai Havertz headed home a late winner, sending the Emirates wild ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Liverpool today.
The Premier League title race is well and truly on but Arsenal must turn their attention to Europe this week – and may have to do without a crucial player.
Gabriel Martinelli on crutches
Winger Gabriel Martinelli missed Saturday’s game after being taken off at Sheffield United with an injury on Monday night.
The hope was that Martinelli would be back in time to face Brentford, but that didn’t happen.
Leandro Trossard came into the side with Martinelli unable to even take his place on the bench.
Fans will be fearful of a Martinelli lay-off and The Mirror now claim that he was spotted walking on crutches after Saturday’s game.
It’s added that Martinelli was also wearing a protective boot as he manages his injury.
This will set alarm bells ringing as Arsenal face Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Arsenal trail 1-0 from the first leg and need to turn the tie around back in North London.
It now looks like Mikel Arteta will have to do without the ‘incredible’ Martinelli this week and it’s unclear just when he will be able to return.
This will be a major concern for Arsenal, especially as they push to win the Premier League title.
Trossard just isn’t the same player as Martinelli and there is a noticeable difference in Arsenal’s attacking play when Martinelli isn’t there.
The Gunners will hope to get Martinelli back soon, but news of him being on crutches won’t fill supporters with confidence.
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