Gabriel Martinelli has regained his form for Arsenal at the perfect time as Mikel Arteta faces an attacking injury crisis. The Gunners are currently in Portugal to face Sporting CP in the Europa League last-16 before they return to Premier League action at Craven Cottage on Sunday against Fulham.
Two back-to-back away games in different competitions will certainly test Arteta and his players, especially as the current league leaders could be facing a mini-injury crisis. Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah and Kieran Tierney are all doubts for the clash, while Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe are at different stages of their recoveries from injury.
Jesus returned to full first-team training on Wednesday and could be in the squad for Thursday's game. "For sure, a big one," Martinelli revealed when asked how much of a boost having Jesus back would be. "He is a great guy and a great player. I have said it many times, but for me he is one of the best in the world. For sure, he is going to help us a lot in the next few months."
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Real Madrid links ahead of Arsenal's clash against Sporting CP
Four of the five players with question marks over their availability are attackers which gives Arteta a clear issue as he may not be afforded the luxury of resting the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli.
Those three names will be key to Arsenal's Premier League title push with each of them enjoying their own purple patch of form at different stages of the season. Saka has been unstoppable for much of the season scoring decisive strikes against Liverpool and Leeds, while in the final three games of 2022 Odegaard grabbed six goal contributions.
Martinelli meanwhile, appears right in the middle of his scoring four goals in his last four appearances after going six games without any contributions. The Brazilian international was on press conference duty ahead of Arsenal's clash where he gave a simple response when asked how he regained his form.
"Keeping working hard," he revealed. "I always try to do my best, on and off the pitch. That’s what I did. Kept working hard."
Of the players most affected by the absence of Jesus, it is certainly Martinelli. His fellow Brazilians willingness to drift out to the left and come short opens up space in behind for Martinelli to penetrate opposition defences but Nketiah is a slightly different vocal point than Jesus.
Martinelli has therefore been tried in a number of different positions by Arteta and judging by what he said on his favoured position he could be coming for Aaron Ramsdale's spot. "I don’t mind. If I am on the team, I can play as a goalkeeper. I don’t mind.
"Of course. If I am a No9 or on the wing, I always try to do my best and help the team, and score or assist. I am happy to play as a No9 or on the wing. It is up to Mikel. Wherever he wants to play me, I’ll play."
READ NEXT:
Arsenal line-ups vs Sporting CP with Gabriel Jesus decision, Nelson starts as Kiwior makes debut
Arsenal guaranteed to avoid dreaded Europa League scenario after key UEFA rule change
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Gabriel Jesus return, Kieran Tierney mood and squad rotation
Arsenal offered risky Premier League title-winning scenario ahead of Liverpool and Man City test
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
