Mikel Arteta now offers 4-word Arsenal injury boost ahead of Brighton clash

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued an injury update on Gabriel Martinelli.

Gabriel Martinelli was left at home due to feeling unwell when Arsenal travelled to the Netherlands to take on PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.

However, the Brazilian may well be back in action for the Gunners when they take on Brighton this afternoon.

According to Mikel Arteta, as quoted by the club’s official website, “Martinelli is feeling good.”

If he is back to full fitness then the 22-year-old is extremely likely to start against the Seagulls. Martinelli is clearly Arteta’s preferred first-choice on the left flank, and in any case Leandro Trossard has struggled to produce his finest form in recent outings.

That being said, Martinelli has struggled to provide a reliable source of end product so far this season. Having made 19 appearances, across all competitions, Martinelli has chipped in with four goals and three assists. Given his pace, tactical intelligence, and finishing ability, he is capable of a higher rate of return than this.

Given Gabriel Jesus is not the most prolific striker, it is vital that the Gunners get regular goals from midfield and the wide areas. Kai Havertz has hit some excellent goalscoring form in recent weeks. Martinelli will now be aiming to follow suit.

Why Mikel Arteta values Gabriel Martinelli so highly

Arteta will be now be hoping that Martinelli can stay fit and well and hit top form very soon. It would be a huge boost for the Gunners if the nine-cap Brazil international could hit a prolific streak.

Should Martinelli be unfit to start, or last the full 90 minutes, against Brighton, Reiss Nelson will be hoping to be given a chance to test himself on the left-wing. Given the 24-year-old Hale End academy graduate’s recent form, plenty of Arsenal fans want to see Arteta use him in that position.

In the meantime, Martinelli will continue as the regular starter on the left. Aside from offering a potent attacking threat, he can be relied upon to perform his defensive duties. Midfield veteran Jorginho has previously heaped praise on Martinelli for his work rate and attitude in this regard. Arteta will also greatly value the effort Martinelli willing to put in on a weekly basis on behalf of the team.

Martinelli has more defensive responsibilities that Saka on the right wing, as Arsenal’s left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko often leaves a great deal of space unprotected as he drifts into the midfield zone.