Mikel Arteta gives update on Gabriel Martinelli injury after fresh Arsenal issue in Newcastle defeat

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has addressed the injury problems facing Gabriel Martinelli following the defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

The Gunners have been knocked out of the competition at the semi-final stage, with a turnaround unable to be completed.

The first leg at the Emirates Stadium saw a 2-0 defeat taken to the second leg, which Newcastle never looked like giving up.

While Arsenal had some belief, they couldn’t execute it on the pitch as Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon scored to pick up another 2-0 win – ending it 4-0 on aggregate.

It was a huge blow for Mikel Arteta, but even worse on top of that is a fresh injury concern for Gabriel Martinelli.

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Mikel Arteta gives update on Gabriel Martinelli injury

Arsenal’s creative woes were on full display when taking on Newcastle, with very few chances created for the visitors.

An aggressive press made it tough to build from the back, while any attack built up came up against a stubborn defensive block.

A lack of forward options have been a clear problem, but it may be made even worse following an injury to Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian was spotted going to ground in the first half, clutching at his hamstring as he had to be hauled off.

When asked about the injury, Arteta told the press post-match: “He felt something in the first half. We will have to assess.”

With Martinelli walking off with relative ease, there will be some hope that it is simply a precaution rather than a serious absence.

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Arsenal’s Dubai trip comes at a perfect time for Mikel Arteta

While it wasn’t ideal for Arsenal to be knocked out of the FA Cup earlier in the season, what it has done is created a free weekend coming up.

With a week-and-a-half of no games coming up, the Gunners need a break and will be hoping to utilise it to the fullest.

A trip to Dubai is planned for the coming days, which could help get Martinelli back to full fitness while others could be refreshed.

“Physically, we were tired,” Arteta admitted to the press after the match against Newcastle.

“We have played so many games. Emotionally as well it was a very different game to believe right there in the end that we could do it.”

The break could help push Arsenal on even further in the weeks ahead, not least after a damaging defeat.