Mikel Arteta gives an update on Martinelli’s future at Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli hasn’t featured in the Premier League since August.

The Brazilian forward has only appeared in the Carabao Cup in recent weeks and has only played one Premier League game this season.

He appeared in the initial two weeks of the current season, a time during which both Aubameyang and Lacazette are recovering from illness.

Mikel Arteta ensures that the Brazilian forward will not be sent out on loan in January and remains a key part of his plans.

Arteta said: ‘Well because of the amount of players we have in those positions, he had some games that he played.

‘He started against Brentford, he started against Chelsea and he started another game. Unfortunately he got an injury last week, it is a minor injury and we don’t know if he’s going to be available for Monday.

‘We have a lot of trust with Gabi and we need to find space for him to grow within the squad.

‘If you look at the number of games he’s played the injuries have been a big setback for him, we sometimes forget his age and we need to try and help him maintain that balance because you can generate frustration that comes out of, in my opinion, a not very realistic diagnosis and we need time.’

See More: Top 5 Players Arsenal Should Sign This Summer 2021