One of Arsenal’s heroes from last season is undeniably Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentine goalkeeper was arguably the fringe player with the Gunners, having been on their books since 2012 but had only made six Premier League appearances before last term.
But Martinez deputised for the injured Bernd Leno for much of Project Restart and produced a string of fine performances in helping Arsenal beat champions Liverpool in the league and win the FA Cup, ousting Manchester City and Cheslea in the process.
Mikel Arteta’s side kick off their season against the Reds in a Community Shield clash at Wembley on Saturday, but the South American is reportedly a doubt.
According to The Evening Standard, Martinez hasn’t trained much since returning to the United Kingdom, having been in quarantine since getting back from Portugal.
That’s a blow for Arteta, given Martinez’s form toward the end of last season, but the good news is that Leno, who hasn’t played since the defeat by Brighton in June, is fit again and Arteta’s ready to start him.
The German, a £22 million signing during Sven Mislintat’s time overlooking Arsenal’s recruitment, is a fine stopper on his day and he’ll need to make the very most of this chance.
Anything other than a world-class goalkeeping display and Arteta could and probably will turn back to Martinez when the Premier League season kicks off away to Fulham on September 12.
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