‘Sensational’ Arsenal star surprises fans with social media post amid Mikel Arteta injury concerns

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Arsenal are currently in Dubai undergoing a mid-season warm weather training camp, as Mikel Arteta looks to reset his injury-plagued squad.

The Gunners played 11 games in 36 days between the start of January and the beginning of February, and thus are in desperate need of a break.

Arteta and his squad jetted off to the Middle East on Thursday morning, where they’ll spend the next six days resting and recuperating.

Liverpool face two difficult fixtures before Arsenal next play, potentially giving Arteta’s team a small boost in the Premier League title race.

However, Arsenal remain stifled by serious injury issues, with Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu and now Gabriel Martinelli all long-term absentees.

Gabriel Martinelli reveals he’s with Arsenal in Dubai

Arsenal suffered defeat at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night, but perhaps more damagingly, they lost Martinelli to injury.

Arteta was concerned about the Brazilian’s setback, and it’s now been confirmed that he’ll be out for over a month.

Martinelli will potentially miss seven games, including pivotal encounters with Chelsea and Manchester United.

However, this hamstring issue hasn’t prevented the 23-year-old from travelling with the rest of the Gunners’ squad to Dubai.

Reposting his partner’s Instagram story, the winger revealed on social media that he’s out in the United Arab Emirates enjoying the sun as he begins his recovery.

He appeared to be in good spirits, posing in shorts and a t-shirt with a towel in his hand.

Arsenal fans will hope that this positive mood is a reflection of Martinelli’s mindset heading into his rehabilitation period, but also possibly an indication that he could return sooner rather than later.

Gabriel Martinelli has been improving in recent weeks

While the wide man has frustrated many with inconsistent performances over the last 18 months, he’s picked up form in recent weeks.

Martinelli impressed with a ‘sensational’ performance against Aston Villa in January, which saw him score a well-timed goal.

Arteta has made a tactical switch that is maximising Martinelli’s goal threat.

Rather than have him deployed wide on the touchline, the Spaniard has tasked his player with getting closer to Kai Havertz and occupying more central spaces.

This has exemplified his goal-scoring instinct and movement strengths, while negating some of his weaknesses on the ball.