Gabriel Martinelli decision made as latest Arsenal injury worry hands Mikel Arteta dilemma

Arsenal have been handed a further update on forward Gabriel Martinelli who picked up an injury whilst playing for Brazil.

Martinelli has been in fine form for the Gunners with goals against Leicester City and Southampton in recent weeks. But a return to the Brazil squad for matches against Chile and Peru has led to a setback.

Although he made a substitute appearance in the 2-1 victory over Chile, where Gabriel Magalhaes was named man of the match, Martinelli has encountered an issue. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) released a statement saying: “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 player continues to undergo physiotherapy treatment under the care of the Brazilian National Team’s Medical Department.”

And Brazil have made a further decision on Martinelli. The 23-year-old was left out of his country's 4-0 win over Peru on Tuesday.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will now be hoping to have Martinelli fit for their trip to Bournemouth on Saturday (kick-off: 5:30pm). The Gunners following league fixture will be a tough test at home to Liverpool on October 27.

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The Reds currently lead the Premier League table, having surpassed most people's expectations this season. Many were expecting a drop off after Jurgen Klopp's departure but Liverpool have just one loss under Arne Slot so far.

Arteta has several injury concerns in his squad to address ahead of their crunch clash against the Merseysiders a week on Sunday. Bukayo Saka was taken out of the England side with a hamstring strain.

Martin Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko, meanwhile, have been missing since the September break, while Ben White and Jurrien Timber have been missing for the last couple of matches with their own problems.