Gabriel Martinelli injury concern for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta provides update
A big concern for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has suffered a suspected hamstring strain and manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed he will have a scan on Thursday to learn the severity of the problem.
The Gunners were beaten 2-0 on Wednesday night and 4-0 on aggregate by Newcastle in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
The Brazilian was taken off in the first half at St James’ Park, limping out of the game after 37 minutes to be replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.
The injury was immediately very concerning as the winger was holding his hamstring, sparking fears of an extended spell on the sidelines.
Arteta confirmed after the defeat: ‘He felt something, I think it was his hamstring and he wasn’t comfortable to continue.
‘So we will have to have any MRI scan tomorrow to see the extent of the injury.’
With Gabriel Jesus out for the season and Bukayo Saka still weeks away from a return, it is a serious worry for Arteta.
Arsenal were already 1-0 behind on the night and 3-0 down on aggregate when Martinelli was forced off through injury.
Jacob Murphy put the home side ahead after just 19 minutes, with Anthony Gordon doubling the lead on 52 minutes and taking it to a dominant 4-0 scoreline over the two legs.
Newcastle were too sharp and too aggressive for their visitors, pressing them intensely and hitting swiftly on the counter-attack when those opportunities arose.
Liverpool and Tottenham meet on Thursday night for the chance to join Eddie Howe’s team at Wembley, with Spurs 1-0 ahead from the first leg ahead of a trip to Anfield.
With Arsenal already out of the FA Cup they don’t return to action until 15 February when they travel to Leicester City in the Premier League.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the impressive victory, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: ‘It was a great night for us. It was a tough game but tactically we were good.
‘The intention was to be aggressive and sometimes when you do that it doesn’t always work. Today it did. I thought it helped to solidify our plan. We had to retreat at times but we were always in the game.’
