Arsenal are reeling with the news of a double injury blow at their Dubai training camp with Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz both picking up hamstring injuries.
Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season after hamstring surgery, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with just three fit and available forwards heading into a crucial period in the Premier League.
Gabriel Martinelli is also set to miss over a month after having also picked up a hamstring issue in the Carabao Cup defeat away at Newcastle.
Arsenal have opened talks with Martinelli over a new contract and despite Jurgen Klopp once describing him as an ‘incredible striker,’ the Brazilian has at times looked lost in a Gunners shirt this season.
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Gabriel Martinelli needs to earn his new contract at Arsenal
There can be no doubt in the talent that Martinelli possesses and the young winger has given everything for the club since he arrived at the Emirates Stadium.
His energy and work rate is second to none and is a big factor in why Arteta rates him so highly. However, the Brazilian has lost his confidence and decisiveness in the final third.
When Martinelli first arrived at Arsenal, his confidence to run at players and be direct and positive in his approach to the game was what made him stand out and excite supporters around the club.
Theo Walcott has urged Martinelli to use his pace more and to have the confidence to beat his full back rather than cutting back and playing the easy pass.
Sol Campbell has also told Martinelli he needs to improve and whilst the Brazilian hasn’t had a poor season for the Gunners, ex-players and those associated with the club are frustrated that he isn’t showing his full potential.
Martinelli should be Arsenal’s central striker upon return from injury
With Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling joining young star Ethan Nwaneri as Arteta’s only three attacking options, the Arsenal manager is going to have to be creative with his team selections in the coming weeks.
The Gunners will be hoping Martinelli can recover from his injury as quick as possible and the Brazilian should play the central striker role upon return.
His pace, movement and ability to finish make him the ideal candidate to step into the role for Arsenal, a position that many believe he should have been tried in before now.
Martinelli has seven goals and four assists in his 35 appearances so far this season and will be needed to increase those numbers when he does recover from his hamstring injury. He could play a huge part in Arsenal’s season yet and prove why he deserves a new deal.
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