Arsenal handed massive injury blow ahead of PSV clash

The Gunners will have to play against their first Champions League opponents without a key forward.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Gabriel Martinelli is set to miss Arsenal’s upcoming match against PSV Eindhoven.

This match marks a significant moment for Arsenal as they return to hosting top-level European football at the Emirates Stadium for the first time since 2017. The Gunners are determined to secure a top-two spot in the group, with fixtures against Sevilla and Lens to follow.

However, Arteta delivered unwelcome news regarding Martinelli following Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Sunday. The young Brazilian forward was forced to exit the match during the first half, clutching his hamstring after a goal-scoring effort that was ultimately ruled offside. Leandro Trossard replaced him and netted the game’s decisive goal.

“He felt something in his hamstring and we need to do some further tests to assess if there’s any big damage,” Arteta told reporters on Tuesday.

“He will be out for tomorrow. It’s a possibility (he will be available for Spurs).”

Martinelli now joins a trio of long-term injury absentees at Arsenal, including Thomas Partey, who continues his recovery from a groin problem. On a more positive note, Mohamed Elneny, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, is progressing in his rehabilitation and has rejoined team training, reaching the “latter stages” of his recovery, as confirmed by Arteta.