Arsenal have reportedly received a huge and unexpected fitness boost before their Premier League showdown with Manchester United, as Gabriel Martinelli is part of the matchday squad for the game at Old Trafford.
The Brazil international has been out of contention since sustaining a hamstring injury in last month's EFL Cup semi-final second-leg loss to Newcastle United, missing the Gunners' last four matches in all competitions.
Martinelli's hamstring problem was not as severe as Bukayo Saka's or Kai Havertz's, as both of his teammates needed surgery to correct their issues, although he was originally not anticipated to return before the international break.
Mikel Arteta did not deliver an update on the 23-year-old's condition in his pre-game press conference, but according to The Athletic, Martinelli will be a part of the team at the Theatre of Dreams.
Martinelli is not believed to have been rushed back into action, rather he simply recovered from his hamstring injury quicker than expected, and he is set to be on the bench against Ruben Amorim's team.
Martinelli back as Saka return date 'revealed'
© Imago
Whether the ex-Ituano starlet is deemed fit enough to play any minutes in Sunday's game remains to be seen, but his return reinforces an Arsenal attack that has been bereft of senior options for the past few weeks.
Saka is yet to take to the field in 2025 due to the hamstring tear he suffered against Crystal Palace in December, but the report adds that the England international is also expected to return before the end of the month.
However, Havertz is targeting a return for pre-season after going under the knife, while Gabriel Jesus might not play again for the remainder of the calendar year following his devastating ACL tear in January.
Martinelli registered seven goals and four assists in 35 appearances for Arsenal this season before entering the treatment room, also stepping for Saka on the right wing after his fellow attacker suffered his severe injury.
The Gunners come into Sunday's game a whopping 16 points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, albeit while having two games in hand on the runaway league leaders.
How big a boost is Martinelli's return?
© Imago
Martinelli's performances since his standout 2022-23 season have left quite a bit to be desired, but the South American's unexpectedly quick comeback is still a significant fillip for Arteta.
The Gunners boss is down to the bare bones in the final third, where Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino are working in tandem after Raheem Sterling failed to take his opportunity.
The Chelsea loanee is completely drained of confidence right now if his recent displays are anything to go by, but he is Arsenal's only senior attacking option off the bench, thereby leaving the Gunners with few alternatives if things go pear-shaped.
That was exactly the case against West Ham United and Nottingham Forest, but Martinelli's comeback means that Arteta now has an extra option on either flank and up front, as the Brazilian is capable of filling in as a makeshift striker.
A few weeks out of the firing line may have even done Martinelli a bit of good amid his indifferent form so far this season, and Arsenal will need the tricky Brazilian to hit the ground running if they are to have any chance of Premier League and indeed Champions League glory between now and May.
Ben Knapton
