Arsenal hopeful over return date for injured star player

The Gunners suffered a devastating injury blow in their 3-0 loss to Brighton last weekend.

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is expected to be ready for pre-season despite suffering a season-ending ankle injury in last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton.

The 21-year-old had to be taken out early during the game in London upon falling victim to a rough tackle from Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, who later apologized on social media.

Martinelli had to wear a protective boot afterward. The Brazilian had a scan earlier in the week, which showed he has ankle ligament damage. As a result, he is unlikely to play in Arsenal’s last two Premier League games of the season against Nottingham Forest on Saturday and Wolves next week.

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal hope Martinelli will be back for pre-season in July. This, of course, hinges on the player suffering no further setbacks.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) and William Saliba (back) are also out for the season.

Arsenal can keep their almost extinguished title hopes alive on Saturday by beating Forest. But if City beat Chelsea this Sunday, the title race will be over. Pep Guardiola’s side will be crowned Premier League champions.