The Brazilian Football Federation have confirmed that Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli is “undergoing treatment” on a calf injury.
Despite only playing the final 5 minutes of Brazil’s 2-1 win over Chile on Friday, he is now a doubt for his country’s World Cup qualifier against Peru on Tuesday night.
Unsurprisingly, fans on X have not taken the news about Martinelli too well:
What!?!? Are you joking?
— Arsene Wenger's Coat (@ArseneCoat_FC) October 14, 2024
Too stressful for Arsenal fan these two international breaks.
— Francis Yu (@on9FrancisYu) October 14, 2024
Lets hope this isn't serious
— Arthur (@aarthurniwa) October 14, 2024
I am sick and tired of this international break.. from one story to another
— AFC Franklyn (@FrankEmelife) October 14, 2024
I hate international footy with all my soul
— RO! (@AzCescRoman) October 14, 2024
This is now getting serious…
— 𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒂 𝑹𝒂𝒌𝒖𝒐𝒎 𝑹𝑵™👨🏾⚕️🇰🇪 (@OmondiRakuom) October 14, 2024
Get him back to London man.
— DameBouch (@DameBouch) October 14, 2024
Arsenal have had their fair share of bad luck with injuries during international breaks
After Martin Odegaard twisted his ankle in the last round of international fixtures, it was hoped that the Gunners would get through the October games unscathed.
However, Bukayo Saka suffered an injury scare after being taken off early in the second half of England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece last week, while Martinelli is now on the treatment table. You can read more about expected return dates for most of these players in our post here.
Who could replace Martinelli?
The injury setback is not ideal with Mikel Arteta’s side having some crucial matches coming up. After an away game against Bournemouth this weekend, they play Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League before taking on top of the table Liverpool.
While Arsenal will be hoping to have Martinelli back in contention sooner rather than later, they do have other options to call upon if they need to. Both Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling can provide cover on the left flank.
Find out who is in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
