Arsenal have suffered a new injury just before Christmas after Gabriel Martinelli suffered a blow during the penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace.
The Brazilian was the star star for the Gunners in the first half of the Carabao Cup tie at the Emirates on Tuesday night before being sidelined late in the first period following a collision with Palace defender Jaydee Canvot.
The match was abandoned as medical staff treated an apparent knee problem, and although Martinelli limped away unassisted, Arsenal played the first half’s stoppage time without him.
He did emerge for the second half but was clearly affected and was substituted for Leandro Trossard in the 59th minute, although Mikel Arteta later provided an update on the injury in his injury. presser after the match on Tuesday, saying:
“Gabriel Martinelli is more of a beater and he didn’t feel comfortable continuing after the second half.”
“He couldn’t go any further, so we had to fix the submarine.”
The Arsenal boss provided an update on his defensive situation, adding:
‘It’s a little different with Piero Hincapie, because he suffered an injury against Everton.’
Blow
Arsenal were forced to dig deep against Palace after being pulled back by Marc Guehi’s stoppage-time equalizer after Maxence Lacroix’s own goal had put the Gunners ahead and seemingly on course for victory in the 80th minute.
Kepa Arrizabalaga proved decisive, saving Lacroix’s penalty after 15 clear penalties to secure a semi-final meeting with his former side, Chelsea.
Hincapie’s absence has hit particularly hard as he is on the injured list along with fellow defenders Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera.
That defensive deficit has left Arteta with limited senior options, culminating in the inclusion of 16-year-old Marli Salmon on the bench as cover.
While Kai Havertz’s return to training provides a welcome boost in attack, the lack of recognized defenders continues to worry the coaching staff.
Arsenal must now rely on internal solutions and hope for favorable conditions until the end of December and into the new year to maintain their lead at the top of the table, especially with Manchester City nipping at their heels.
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