Gabriel Martinelli injury latest as Mikel Arteta issues update on Arsenal scare
Arsenal host Brentford in the Premier League this weekend before facing Porto in the Champions League next week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is “pretty positive” both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka will be fit to face Brentford on Saturday.
The Gunners continued their winning run in the Premier League as they thrashed Sheffield United 6-0 on Monday night.
But Saka was withdrawn at half time with the England international “feeling ill” before Martinelli hobbled off in the second half after picking up a “slight cut” to his right foot.
Arsenal have the chance to go top for the first time since Christmas if they beat Brentford at the Emirates, with title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City playing each other the following day.
Arsenal are set to be boosted by a number of returning players, with both Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey coming off the bench in the big win at Bramall Lane, while Arteta said Martinelli and Saka would be assessed on Friday ahead of the game.
“We have Martinelli and Bukayo [Saka] with little issues. We are pretty positive they can be part of the squad but we’ll have to see,” Arteta said.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will be given a rare Premeir League start with David Raya, who is on loan from Brentford, unable to face his parent club.
"He's fully prepared and desperate to play,” Arteta said. "On Saturday it will be a great day for him. He has been brilliant, really supportive and pushing every day in training. It's a joy to have two great goalkeepers in the team.
"One of the toughest things is to deal with players that don't get the gametime they deserve.
"We have an unbelievable group of players and try to support them. When they get the opportunity they want to contribute to the team in the best way possible."
Arsenal have won seven Premier League games in a row while scoring 31 times and conceding just three goals.
They are the in-form side in the title race and host Brentford knowing at least one of Liverpool and City will drop points at Anfield on Sunday.
“We can't control that we just have to focus on our game, try to win and then on Sunday it's a game that should be beautiful to watch for any supporter,” Arteta said.
"I can't control it but I will enjoy watching two of the best teams in Europe. I will sit there with my kids and enjoy the match."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments