What Mikel Arteta just said about Gabriel Martinelli is a concern for Arsenal amid Bukayo Saka absence

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces an adaptability test in the wake of Bukayo Saka’s surgery.

The Gunners’ greatest fears were realised as Saka left Selhurst Park on crutches after sustaining a hamstring injury in Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace.

Following the most recent victory against Ipswich Town, Arteta shared that Saka underwent surgery to solve his issue, which has subsequently extended his period of absence.

The Arsenal manager took the first steps to replace his star player at the Emirates on match day 18, utilising Gabriel Martinelli on the right side.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has just explained the real reason why Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka got injured – he’s spot on

Mikel Arteta outlines what Gabriel Martinelli needs to replace Bukayo Saka

From the moment the Hale End graduate was injured, Martinelli was considered the favourite to replace Saka on the right side of attack.

The Brazilian, who is a right-footed left-winger by trade, made the move to the opposite side against Ipswich, where he put in work to attempt to make a difference.

Given that Saka could be out for up to four months, the pressure is on Martinelli to attempt to replicate what his teammate does, which Arteta himself admitted will be hard.

After Arsenal’s win over Ipswich, the boss outlined three things that Martinelli ‘needs’ to fill the void created by Saka’s injury, when assessing the winger’s first outing on the right. 

“Gabby needs people around him. He needs constant threat. He needs to be always in the last line when the ball is on his side, that he has relationships there, and people close to him because he’s very intuitive,” Arteta explained in his post-match press conference.

“He’s always a threat. I think that if you’re isolating too much, you’re going to suffer, especially playing with a natural foot on the right and that’s things that we can evolve and improve.”

The manager emphasised the need for Martinelli to remain supported in attack and away from isolated situations, something that instantly causes alarm bells to ring.

• READ MORE: Bukayo Saka does one thing better than anyone in the Premier League – it’s why Arsenal will miss him so much

Arsenal have a problem with Martinelli amid Saka’s injury 

Arteta outlining the assistance that Martinelli will require on the right only highlights just how self-sufficient Saka is.

The Arsenal academy graduate is so special because he can quite often make something out of the nothing on the right side, which the manager suggested is something his replacement cannot.

The numbers only reinforce such, as it’s alarmingly clear just how much more effective Saka is in wide areas this season in comparison to Martinelli.

Where the Englishman can consistently create chances to score, the Brazilian falls behind, echoing Arteta’s demand for support for Arsenal’s new right winger.

Given that the Gunners could be without their star player for the majority of the season, it’s now or never for Martinelli if he truly wants to be the figure to bridge the gap in his teammate’s absence.