Arsenal have been handed another huge injury scare after one of their players required further assessment on a muscle complaint while on international duty, according to reports.
The Gunners have endured a miserable international break with Bukayo Saka suffering an injury with England after captain Martin Odegaard was previously sidelined during the previous run of international fixtures.
Now, there is further glum news for manager Mikel Arteta who is sweating on the fitness of another key first-team player that could cause a selection crisis at the Emirates.
Gabriel Martinelli is currently away on international duty with Brazil after being recalled to the squad following an upturn in form, but is now dealing with a fitness issue.
The 23-year-old has scored two goals and registered two assists during Arsenal’s last five games and has started five Premier League contests so far this season.
Arsenal have been handed another huge injury scare after one of their players required further assessment on a muscle complaint
Gabriel Martinelli has undergone a scan on a muscle injury while away on international duty with Brazil
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta (right) is now waiting to see how long Martinelli (left) will be out of action for
However, Martinelli could now be set for a spell out of the team after damaging his calf and subsequently underwent an MRI scan on Sunday.
The scan revealed the Arsenal winger has suffered a ‘muscle edema’ in his right calf after playing a substitute role in Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Chile on Friday.
He will now remain in Brazil to undergo further physiotherapy and treatment on the injury with it hoped that the problem won’t keep him out of action for any significant amount of time.
Arsenal will resume their bid for the Premier League title against Bournemouth on Saturday with Martinelli now a doubt for the tie
Arsenal will resume their bid for the Premier League title against Bournemouth on Saturday with Martinelli now a doubt for the tie after his latest muscle problem.
However, the good news for Gunners fans is that Saka could be fit for the clash as he steps up his recovery and was almost fit to play in England’s UEFA Nations League win over Finland on Sunday.
Giving an update on Saka’s fitness, interim England boss Lee Carsley said: ‘Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him.
‘He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine,’ he added while reassuring fans.
