Arsenal get unexpected Gabriel Martinelli injury boost as extent of ankle problem emerges

Arsenal: Arteta provides Martinelli injury update

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli is likely to return from his ankle injury as early as next Monday, according to reports. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta feared the worst after Martinelli turned his ankle in the pre-match warm up before Saturday’s FA Cup third round win over Newcastle United at the Emirates. However, the scan results have shown there is no serious issue.

Martinelli only returned from a serious knee injury in December, where he spent six months on the sidelines.

The 19-year-old made an immediate impact upon his return to first-team action and played a big role in the Gunners’ return to form under Arteta.

The Brazilian started the two Premier League wins over Chelsea and Brighton to kickstart Arsenal’s revival.

So news that his injury is not serious is a welcome boost to Arteta.

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The Guardian claim the teenager has a strong chance of playing against Newcastle in the league on Monday.

However, he will miss the visit of Crystal Palace on Thursday.

Speaking in his post-match press conference on Saturday, Arteta revealed Martinelli was in tears following the injury.

“I am gutted,” Arteta said. “I was in my office before the game and one of the medical staff came in and said he twisted his ankle.

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“He was in tears and in a lot of pain. We’re going to see how he is but he didn’t look good.

“He was in pain. He’s a character that he wants to play the next game, hopefully it’s not too serious.

“We really want to know what’s going on.

“He’s a character that says he wants to play the next game, that he doesn’t care that he can handle pain, but I don’t know.

“Hopefully there is nothing too serious but to start with it didn’t look too good.”

And on Monday, Arteta insisted Tuesday was going to be when the extent of the injury was revealed.

“We don’t know how bad he is. He’s getting a scan this morning,” the Spaniard said.

“We didn’t look after the game because he was in a lot of pain but yesterday he tested it a little bit better, so let’s hope.

“We have a scan today so let’s hope it’s not as serious and we can have Gabi back really soon. We will know more tomorrow, certainly.”

Arsenal also have defender Gabriel and midfielder Thomas Partey available for selection.

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