Explanation for Gabriel Martinelli’s Arsenal training absence, after featuring in behind-closed-doors win
An explanation for the conspicuous absence of Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal first-team training this weekend has been forthcoming online.
Back on song
On the back of a frankly abysmal opening to the campaign, which saw them slip to defeat in each of the club’s opening three Premier League fixtures, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have of course turned things around in a major way of late.
Across the month of September, Arsenal rattled off no fewer than four consecutive victories across all competitions.
Alongside a 3-0 drubbing of AFC Wimbledon in the League Cup, the North Londoners got the better of all of Norwich City, Burnley and Tottenham, to climb into the top-half of the English top-flight.
The latter of these results proved particularly significant, as the Arsenal faithful were finally treated to a fresh glimpse of just how devastating their side can be, when firing on all cylinders.
“The youth is shining through for Mikel Arteta!”
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#ARSTOT on Sky Sports PL
https://t.co/AmympGmLP2 pic.twitter.com/LzAnTwdwxf— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 26, 2021
The club’s most recent outing did see Arteta and co. brought back down to earth somewhat, in a 0-0 stalemate with Brighton & Hove Albion, but the positive vibes remain in full effect on the red half of North London as things stand.
Martinelli latest
Next up for Arsenal, meanwhile, comes yet another derby outing, in the form of a Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on Monday, October 18th.
In the buildup to the Emirates showdown, though, Mikel Arteta has been unable to oversee the training efforts of a hefty 16 members of his squad.
This comes with the Gunners’ impressive form of late having been rewarded with international call-ups on the part of a host of nations across the globe.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 18: Bruma of Olympiakos battles for possession with Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium on March 18, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Efforts to keep those still in the English capital in match shape have nevertheless continued, though, with a behind-closed-doors friendly meeting with QPR earlier this week having seen the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes all play their part en route to a 3-2 win.
The aforementioned Martinelli was too included in the Gunners’ starting XI, amid a concerted push to reestablish himself amongst the first-team options in North London.
In turn, when word was forthcoming earlier today that Martinelli – a fan favourite at Arsenal – had been conspicuously absent from training on Saturday, concerns over a potential injury quickly spread.
The gifted young attacker himself, though, has since moved to put an end to such fears.
Taking to Instagram, Martinelli posted a photo of himself taking in the sunshine in a swimming pool, accompanied by the tag ‘Lisboa’, suggesting that he is simply enjoying a well-earned vacation away from North London:
No need to panic about Gabriel Martinelli.https://t.co/lTg5YqCy5B
— Arsenal FC News (@ArsenalFC_fl) October 9, 2021
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