Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is hopeful that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be available to face Brentford this weekend.
Both players were substituted during the 6-0 win over Sheffield United and asked about their fitness on Thursday, Arteta said:
“We have Martinelli and Bukayo [Saka] with little issues. We are pretty positive they can be part of the squad but we’ll have to see.”
Fans on X are happy that the pair are likely to be in contention to play but some would like them to be rested ahead of the Champions League clash against Porto next week:
We are cooking
— MR GEOFREY MAFFINIE 🇺🇬 (@Maffinie2) March 7, 2024
Let them both be rested.
— Benny ‘Buchi O. (@Bennoker) March 7, 2024
That’s a great news coming from the manager. Let Brentford be prepared for us
— Francis Ngbor (@FrancisNgbor) March 7, 2024
Thank God
— Antiestablishment (@Desmondlala1) March 7, 2024
What a relief!
— Mc X-candu (@McXcandu) March 7, 2024
They should be rested for Porto
— Manchester United HATER (@sammyramsey14) March 7, 2024
Very positive news for us surely.
— Keith Tubz (@KeithTibz) March 7, 2024
Great news, particularly considering Porto is also round the corner
— Alfie Bailey (@AlfieBailey2005) March 7, 2024
Why were Saka and Martinelli subbed against the Blades?
Saka was taken off at half-time at Bramall Lane, despite providing two assists before the interval. After the game, Arteta confirmed that the England international was suffering with an illness.
Martinelli, meanwhile, sustained a cut on his foot that forced them off the pitch on the hour mark.
Who could play instead of the pair against Brentford?
If either Saka or Martinelli don’t make it, Arsenal have two perfect replacements to come into the starting eleven.
Leandro Trossard could start on the left wing if required, while Gabriel Jesus (who is fit and available after a knee injury) could play off the right flank.
