Arsenal's Heavy Blow Against Bournemouth, Gabriel Martinelli Follows Saka And Odegaard

JAKARTA - Arsenal were again hit hard. flagship forward Gabriel Martinelli picked up an injury while strengthening Brazil in South American zone 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He followed Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard who had to pull over so he missed Bournemouth in the English Premier League.

Bad news for manager Mikel Arteta as the pillar players began to fall. Finally, Martinelli, who was again called by the Brazilian national team. Martinelli actually only played as a substitute in the match against Chile. But he suffered a calf injury in the match which Brazil won 2-1 that.

The injury left Martinelli not played when Brazil beat Venezuela 4-0, Wednesday, October 16, 2024 morning WIB. The 23-year-old forward also had to undergo treatment to restore his condition when he returned to the club. From the scan results, Martinelli is expected to recover after one month of rest.

This means that Martinelli will miss Arsenal against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium, Saturday, October 19, 2024 evening WIB. Arsenal also faced a crisis of player injuries because Martinelli was the pillar of the Gunners.

He has scored two goals and two assists in Arsenal's last five matches. Martinelli has also always started five of the seven Premier League games.

Without Martinelli, Arteta could not field the best squad in the match. The reason is, Martinelli followed Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard who had already pulled over.

Saka suffered a leg injury while strengthening Britain against Greece in the UEFA Nations League. Meanwhile, Odegaard had already rested. Likewise Kai Havertz who missed to strengthen Germany in international matches.

Arsenal are competing closely with Liverpool and Manchester City in the race for the top position. Currently, Liverpool are in first place after pocketing 18 points. One point ahead with Man City and Arsenal who are in second and third place.

Liverpool, who hope to defend their position, will face a tough match. They host Chelsea at Anfield, Sunday, October 20, 2024 evening WIB. On the other hand, Man City faced the lightest opponent, Wolverhampton Wanderers in an away match.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lost another best player, Gabriel Martinelli, who suffered an injury while playing for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match in the South American zone. He missed Arsenal's match against Bournemouth.