Gabriel Martinelli injury update: How serious is Arsenal star's calf problem?

The October international break has not been the serene period Mikel Arteta would've pleaded for given what Arsenal endured last month.

The club, of course, lost Martin Odegaard to an ankle injury sustained during Norway's UEFA Nations League clash against Austria, with recent reports suggesting the captain might not return until December.

The Gunners had ten internationals away representing their respective countries in October, while Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and Thomas Partey all remained at London Colney. Despite the reduction in the Gunners' international representation this month, the injury bug has followed Arteta's squad around the globe.

We saw Bukayo Saka limp off with a hamstring injury on Thursday night, and reports have since emerged regarding a calf injury sustained by Gabriel Martinelli after he made a late appearance off the bench during Brazil's 2-1 victory over Chile on Friday.

Gabriel Martinelli picks up calf injury on international duty

Martinelli has not enjoyed the most prosperous of 2024s and has only played a sporadic role for his country as a result. He was dropped for Brazil's September qualifiers but recalled by Dorival Junior after a bright run of form in north London.

However, the winger's chance to impress Dorival this month has seemingly come to a premature close.

A statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (via the Standard) confirmed that the Arsenal star underwent a scan after sustaining a calf injury at the weekend: “Player Gabriel Martinelli complained of pain in his right calf and underwent an MRI on Sunday night which showed a small area of muscle edema in the area.

“The athlete continues to undergo physiotherapy treatment under the care of the Brazilian national team’s medical department," they added.

While Martinelli's setback isn't believed to be major, the winger is not expected to feature against Peru on Tuesday night, which should play into Arsenal's hands. However, there will be doubts over his status for Saturday's game at Bournemouth.

So, Arsenal could head into their next Premier League encounter without their two starting wide men. Arteta will hope that Martinelli and Saka are fit enough to at least play a role on the South Coast, but risks are unlikely to be taken given the options the Spaniard now has in reserve, as well as the difficulty of the club's upcoming schedule.

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