Moises Caicedo has admitted regret over the “disgraceful foul” that left Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli injured.
The Ecuadorian midfielder crunched in on the Brazilian forward during the Gunners’ shocking 3-0 defeat to Brighton at the Emirates. The tackle left the Arsenal starlet sprawled on the turf and needing treatment from the club’s medical staff.
He attempted to play on but eventually had to be taken off and replaced by Leandro Trossard. Martinelli was later spotted in a protective boot, sparking fears that he could miss the remainder of the campaign. The incident involving Caicedo came after the Arsenal star flew into Brighton forward Kaoru Mitoma during an aerial challenge.
Taking a look at the incident, one supporter on Twitter wrote: “This is why people were saying that Martinelli got karma yesterday. He smacked Mitoma (wasn’t even booked) with his arm. And then Caicedo fouled him on revenge and got injured. Gary O’Driscoll (Head of Medical Services) said he will be back this season.”
Caicedo quickly responded as he expressed his regret over the incident. He wrote: “If I could turn back time I wouldn't have made that bad tackle,” alongside a shrug emoji.
Despite the worrying pictures of Martinelli in his protective boot, club doctor Gary O’Driscoll suggested that he could return sooner rather than later, whilst he was highly critical of Caicedo’s challenge, branding it "disgraceful".
Should Caicedo have been sent off for the tackle on Martinelli? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Martinelli, 21, has been in sensational form for Arsenal so far this season. He has 15 goals and five assists in the Premier League alone.
Caicedo could potentially have been one of his teammates this term only for a deal to collapse. The Gunners had a number of bids for the midfielder turned down by Brighton, whilst he expressed his desire to leave the Amex Stadium.
He eventually signed a new contract with the Seagulls and continues to play a key role in their push for a European place under Roberto De Zerbi. Brighton sit sixth in the Premier League and seven points behind Liverpool with two games in-hand.
Elsewhere, the Gunners will be aiming to get back on track over the closing weeks of the season. Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest and Wolves in their final two fixtures and will be hoping to at least keep the fight for the Premier League title alive for as long as possible.
