Arteta backs Martinelli to thrive in ‘bigger role’ at Arsenal after Saka injury

Mikel Arteta (left) said Gabriel Martinelli ‘likes responsibility’ but the whole Arsenal squad must step up in the absence of Bukayo Saka. Photograph: Javier García/Shutterstock

Mikel Arteta is hoping Gabriel Martinelli can help to fill the void created by Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury, with the England forward likely to miss key fixtures including the north London derby next month.

Arteta confirmed on Monday that Saka was expected to be absent for “many weeks” after tearing a hamstring during the first half of Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace. That would rule him out of Premier League fixtures including Arsenal’s game with Tottenham on 15 January, the Carabao Cup semi‑final first leg against Newcastle and an FA Cup third‑round tie with Manchester United.