Arsenal handed boost as Martinelli calms fresh injury fears

The Brazilian only recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and it was feared he could be forced back on the treatment table.

Gabriel Martinelli has calmed fears over his fresh injury concerns as he declares himself “alright to play” in Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Slavia Prague in midweek.

Martinelli made his first start for Arsenal since late January in the Premier League outing against Sheffield United on Sunday.

Ending his almost 15-month-long goal drought, he helped his side claim a resounding 3-0 victory over the rock-bottom team at Bramall Lane.

In the final ten minutes, the 19-year-old was taken off after supposedly taking a knock to the ankle. His substitution gave rise to concerns that he could face another injury setback not long after his long-term knee problem and that he could miss the crucial Europa League quarter-final second-leg.

“No, I am alright to play on Thursday,” said Martinelli speaking to the club’s official website after the game.

“I am feeling a bit tired but I’m so happy with the goal and even happier with the victory and the three points.

“I work every single day in training, you need to prepare yourself because when Mikel [Arteta] needs you, you need to be there to play and show something.”