Arsenal now have another injury concern as Mikel Arteta reveals Gabriel Martinelli problem

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that Gabriel Martinelli has a slight injury issue heading into the clash with Brighton.

It comes as the Brazilian was surprisingly benched to face the Seagulls, despite picking up some form in front of goal.

Gabriel Martinelli picked up a goal with an impressive strike against Brentford in the previous match, hopeful of kickstarting a more clinical run.

Arsenal will be hoping that the winger’s absence isn’t going to be a problem with some big clashes coming up.

• READ MORE: Arsene Wenger says ‘people never speak about’ two of his Arsenal signings – they were ‘exceptional’

Arsenal handed Gabriel Martinelli injury concern

Despite an impressive performance last time out against Brentford, Martinelli was benched to face Brighton, with Leandro Trossard picked ahead of him on the left wing, while Ethan Nwaneri featured on the right.

It came as a surprise, however, Mikel Arteta hinted at a potential injury for the forward when discussing his team selection.

When chatting to Sky Sports, the manager claimed both Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz were suffering with illness, leading to their lack of selection.

When it came to Martinelli though, he said: “We have certain issues as well, with Martinelli. It is what it is.”

It’s currently unclear exactly what is wrong with the 23-year-old, but he was seemingly fit enough to feature on the bench.

With squad depth looking light, Arsenal will be hoping that he is back and available again as soon as possible.

• READ MORE: Nobody in Arsenal’s 137-year history ‘comes close’ to matching stunning Gabriel Martinelli record

Leandro Trossard handed fresh chance to impress at Arsenal

If there’s one star who hasn’t quite had the same impact this season as those previous, it’s Leandro Trossard.

The forward hasn’t been able to find the back of the net in the same clinical fashion as before, when he was often scoring late in games from the bench.

With Martinelli’s injury, Trossard now has the chance to show exactly why he deserves to start on the left wing.

If there’s any extra added motivation needed for the Belgian international, the opportunity comes against his former team.

There are places up for grabs ahead of big games in the EFL Cup, the FA Cup and the North London Derby in the weeks ahead, so Trossard has a huge chance, but it remains to be seen if he can take it.