The latest injury concern for Arsenal ahead of their visit from Liverpool is a new one, with Gabriel Martinelli withdrawn from Brazil training.
Title aspirations will be on the line when the Gunners take on the Reds in what will be a key early season fixture.
Martinelli’s Injury Woes
Brazil’s World Cup qualifier preparations were disrupted by Martinelli, who has been in good form for Arsenal, complaining of calf pain. TNT Sports Brazil confirmed swelling in his right calf after an MRI scan.
The setback leaves him in doubt for Brazil’s clash with Peru and, if that doesn’t work out, Arsenal’s crucial clash with Liverpool later this month.
Arsenal’s Martinelli has been a key player, scoring two and assisting two in his last three appearances.
He also has a good record against Liverpool, netting five times in 10 meetings, including a goal in last season’s 3-1 win at the Emirates.
CBF CONFIRMA EDEMA NA PANTURRILHA DIREITA DE MARTINELLI! 🚨🇧🇷 A confirmação veio agora em comunicado oficial e o atacante vira dúvida pra pegar o Peru! No treino de hoje, ele já estava treinando com uma tape no local do edema. #SeleçãoBrasileira pic.twitter.com/JuazHuGoGz
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) October 14, 2024
Other Injury Concerns For Mikel Arteta
Bukayo Saka limped off for England in their 2-1 defeat to Greece and was withdrawn from international duty, and Martinelli’s injury follows that.
Mikel Arteta has injury concerns for his side, but Saka’s availability for the Liverpool match is still in doubt.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, is still absent with an ankle injury he picked up during the previous international break for Norway.
The midfielder is expected to be out until at least November, despite the hope of a swift return.
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Title Showdown Looms
Arsenal’s run of fixtures is proving to be a challenging one, but Liverpool’s visit to the Emirates Stadium is a vital one as they press on with their early season title race.
The showdown will be further intensified by the fact that Jurgen Klopp’s side will arrive in London fresh off a tough game against Chelsea.
The potential absences of Martinelli, Saka, and Odegaard could make Arsenal’s task more difficult as they look to maintain their strong start to the Premier League campaign.