Arsenal’s Twitter account shared a photo of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka in training ahead of tonight’s Europa League match against Benfica.
While Saka is almost certain to play at the Stadio Olimpico, Martinelli has been an unused substitute in the Gunners’ last three games, and supporters on Twitter are keen for the Brazilian to be handed a start by manager Mikel Arteta this evening:
Matinelli should start today
— OLUWALOSEYIFUNMI? (@The_realblackjo) February 18, 2021
Martinelli must play today even in place of saka, xhaka or Leno
I don't care— Mea92?? (@NusmaMea) February 18, 2021
If you give me a starting line up of Pépé Martinelii Saka I’ll love you forever
— Shlick Shilk (@remontadasilk) February 18, 2021
Wish @g_martinelli01 starts today ???
— Ibrahim bah (@Ibrahim85048732) February 18, 2021
Unleashed Martinelli..Or will riot pic.twitter.com/wc66GjFQCn
— Arsenelli Fc..?? (@joshiano3) February 18, 2021
If gabi don’t start we riot
— Ryan Gunner (@GunnerTalker) February 18, 2021
Plz start Martineli tonight you can start only Willian
vs City he can handle them all alone— ??????? (@AfcGabeast) February 18, 2021
Arteta does have a lot of options in terms of his front three. Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe were also on the bench for the 4-2 win over Leeds at the weekend and they could also be in contention to be recalled.
However, with the likes of Saka, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Emile Smith Rowe having done so well on Sunday, there could be a temptation to keep the trio together for the Europa League clash.
If Martinelli is picked to play, though, he should certainly be fresh and may want to show his manager he is deserving of more minutes.
