An Arsenal star, seen on crutches and utilizing a protective boot following the Brentford victory, raises doubts about their availability for the upcoming clash against FC Porto
Arsenal’s forward, Gabriel Martinelli, faces significant doubt for the crucial Champions League clash against Porto after being seen on crutches over the weekend.
The Brazilian was absent in Arsenal’s recent victory over Brentford at the Emirates Stadium due to a foot issue sustained in the Sheffield United match last week, requiring assistance off the pitch.
Despite initial expectations of a minor injury, it appears that the severity of Martinelli’s condition is more pronounced, with a deep cut taking longer to heal than anticipated.
During the Brentford encounter, Martinelli’s absence was conspicuous as he was spotted wearing a protective boot and relying on crutches for support.

This development raises concerns for Arsenal’s upcoming challenge against Porto, where they aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg against the Portuguese giants.
The potential absence of Martinelli could impact the team’s attacking prowess and strategic options, presenting a hurdle in their bid to progress further in the Champions League.
Arsenal fans await updates on Martinelli’s fitness and hope for a swift recovery, considering his impactful contributions to the team.
The outcome of his injury assessment will play a crucial role in Manager Mikel Arteta‘s tactical planning for the critical Champions League fixture, as the Gunners aim to navigate their way to success in the tournament.
Mikel Arteta had initially expressed optimism regarding Gabriel Martinelli’s potential participation in the Brentford match, stating that the Brazilian forward, along with Bukayo Saka, had minor issues but there was hope they could be part of the squad.

Unfortunately, Martinelli’s absence in the recent clash raises concerns for Arsenal, as the manager’s positive outlook didn’t materialize.
What could Martinelli’s absence mean for the gunners?
The impact of his potential absence is amplified by Martinelli’s remarkable season record, contributing eight goals and five assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
The absence of Martinelli, with his significant goal-scoring and playmaking contributions, could indeed be a substantial blow for Arsenal.
As they navigate important fixtures, including the crucial Champions League clash against Porto, Arteta may need to reevaluate his tactical approach and consider alternative strategies in the absence of the Brazilian forward.
The unpredictability of injuries in football highlights the challenges managers face in maintaining squad depth and adapting to unforeseen setbacks as they strive for success in multiple competitions.
How Arsenal scaled through Brentford
The match highlighted Arsenal’s ability to adapt and find solutions in the face of challenges, with Havertz stepping up to secure three vital points.
The victory not only reflects the team’s determination but also emphasizes the importance of squad depth and individual players stepping into pivotal roles during key moments.
As Arsenal continues to compete on multiple fronts, such displays of resilience become essential for their pursuit of success in domestic and European competitions.