Gabriel Martinelli injury: Arsenal striker offers update after limping off against Man City

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Gabriel Martinelli has allayed fears he is set for another spell on the sidelines after hobbling off in Arsenal's defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday night.

The Brazilian has been out for nine months but lasted only until just after half-time before he limped off to be replaced by Nicolas Pepe.

Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte secured a comfortable victory for City after Alexandre Lacazette had briefly equalised against the run of play in the first half.

But there was better news for Gunners fans on Wednesday with Martinelli confirming he is not set to miss any time.

"Feeling fine and ready to go again," he tweeted.

Speaking after the game boss Mikel Arteta praised the teenager's impact on his first start since March.

"Gabi has a unique energy and a way to transmit his passion for the game," he added. "I think he plays the game in a different way to any other player so it is hard to compare him.

"But it is great to have him back, to bring that spirit, that fight and after such a long time to play against this opponent, the way he did it I think in the first half, it is something to be really proud of."

Arteta has not seen his side win a domestic game since 1 November but he opted to make eight changes to the team that lost at Everton on Saturday and it backfired with back-up goalkeeper Alex Runarsson at fault for the opener and for Mahrez's strike as he let a free-kick pass straight through his grasp.

But the Spaniard defended his team selection following a tough period of games and a tricky festive fixture list ahead.

"It was a combination of the amount of games that some of them have played, some players could not be involved, and others deserved to play," he said.

"It is a painful moment again, we started the game and conceded a soft goal really early. After that in this moment, to get over that is difficult."