Arsenal winger, Gabriel Martinelli, is currently receiving treatment after being diagnosed with a muscle injury, the Brazil national team has confirmed.
Martinelli had been in excellent form leading up to the October international break, contributing two goals and two assists in his last three Premier League appearances.
However, his momentum was disrupted after featuring briefly in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Chile last week.
Brazil is set to face Peru in another qualifier on Wednesday, but Martinelli’s availability is now in doubt after he reported discomfort.
A statement from the national team, said, “Gabriel Martinelli complained of pain in his right calf and underwent an MRI on Sunday night which showed a small area of muscle edema in the area.” The team added that “the athlete continues to undergo physiotherapy treatment under the care of the Brazilian National Team’s Medical Department.”
The news of Martinelli’s injury compounds Arsenal’s growing list of fitness concerns during the international break.
Fellow winger Bukayo Saka also suffered a knock while on duty with England. Though Three Lions interim manager Lee Carsley downplayed the severity of Saka’s issue, there is still uncertainty over his fitness ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
Additionally, Kai Havertz had to withdraw from Germany’s squad due to a knee injury, while defenders Jurrien Timber and Ben White have both been grappling with injury problems in recent weeks.
Arsenal’s medical team now faces a race against time to assess and rehabilitate their key players ahead of domestic action resuming.
