Arteta shares injury update on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli after Arsenal beat Sheffield Utd

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Mikel Arteta provided an injury update on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli after Arsenal thrashed Sheffield United on Monday evening.

Both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were withdrawn from the action early as Arsenal cruised to a 6-0 win against Sheffield United. 

Saka and Martinelli were both outstanding in the first-half as the Gunners raced to a 5-0 lead in the opening 45 minutes. Saka rattled the crossbar in the opening minutes, and then forced Jayden Bogle’s own goal after to come slick work in the hosts’ penalty area. The 22-year-old then grabbed up his 15th assist of the season when he picked out Declan Rice with a cutback.

Martinelli also came close to scoring in the first few minutes of the match, when he saw a smart volley cleared off the line. The Brazilian was then able to find the back of the net for the 8th time this season in the 15th minute at Bramall Lane, to make it 3-0 to Arsenal at that point.

Just ten minutes later, Martinelli was also able to pick up an assist, as he played Kai Havertz through on goal.

Much has been made in recent weeks about whether or not Saka ought to be considered world-class. Meanwhile, former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott recently included Martinelli in his picks for the top three wide attackers in the world. 

Mikel Arteta explains Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli injuries after Sheffield United win

Both players were able to show their class against Sheffield United. However, it came at a cost.

Saka was taken off at half-time, replaced by Fabio Vieira, who was himself making a long-awaited return from injury. Then, with 64 minutes on the clock, Martinelli hobbled off in clear discomfort, with Gabriel Jesus taking his place.

After the match, Mikel Arteta explained to Sky Sports why the two wingers had to be taken off. The Spanish coach revealed that Saka had been feeling unwell, and therefore was substituted off during the break with the match already all but won by that stage. 

As for Martinelli, Arteta stated that he had received a cut on his foot, which would be assessed further. Ultimately, though, it is unlikely to keep the 22-year-old out for an extended period of time.

It is vital that Saka and Martinelli are able to stay fit and in-form for the remainder of the campaign if Arsenal are to stand any chance of being crowned Premier League champions.