Arteta ‘sweating’ on availability of ‘unstoppable’ Arsenal star before Brentford clash

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are still unsure if one of their key players will be fit to face Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Gabriel Martinelli may not be fit to feature for Arsenal against Brentford this weekend.

The Brazilian winger limped off early against Sheffield United last time out, after the Gunners had already seen Bukayo Saka needing to be withdrawn at half-time. After that match at Bramall Lane, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saka had been feeling unwell and that Martinelli had sustained a cut to his foot.

The Standard have now reported that whilst Saka is likely to be fit again to face the Bees, Arsenal are still “sweating” on the availability of Martinelli.

When fit, Martinelli is usually a nailed-on starter for the north London club. What’s more, the 22-year-old has been in fine form in recent weeks. He has produced one goal and two assists in his last two Premier League outings, and has been combining well with Kai Havertz, whilst the German has been spearheading the Arsenal attack.

Arsenal told how to cope without Gabriel Martinelli v Brentford

The pace and directness provided by Martinelli and Saka on either flank for Arsenal has been described as “unstoppable” before. It will be a huge blow to Arteta if the 9-cap Brazil international is sidelined for the visit of the Bees. At the very least, the Spanish coach will be desperately hoping that Martinelli is definitely back in action by the time Arsenal take on Porto in the crucial second-leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on March 12th.

In the meantime, if Martinelli is out on Saturday, then Arsenal have been encouraged to deploy Gabriel Jesus in his place on the left wing. Whilst Leandro Trossard would usually be the next in line to take up this place in the team, with Havertz playing so well up front, this may be the only way to shoehorn Jesus into the starting XI.

The Brazilian played on the flanks regularly in his time at Manchester City, and his pressing ability, skill, flair, and directness would make him a real threat to the Brentford defence in that part of the pitch. It is also important for the forward to get some minutes into his legs, as he has just returned from injury. Arteta needs to get Jesus sharp and up to full match fitness quickly, as Arsenal will need him to be able to make an impact during the run-in.