Arsenal international now a doubt to face Bournemouth after injury

Gabriel Martinelli could still miss Arsenal’s match against Bournemouth on Saturday but the club aren’t concerned that his injury is serious.

Charles Watts reports that despite Gabriel Martinelli being left out by Brazil due to injury as they faced Peru on Tuesday night, there is not much concern at Arsenal over the severity of his issue.

Watts clarifies that it’s still too early to say whether or not Martinelli could be involved against Bournemouth this weekend.

The injury could still be enough to keep the winger out of the trip to the south coast, and that decision will be made on Friday. But Arsenal were comfortable to let the player remain in Brazil until the end of the break, which is a positive sign.

Brazil confirmed on Sunday that Martinelli had pain in his right calf over the weekend, and he had an MRI on Sunday night to assess the issue.

The scan showed a small area of muscle edema in the area, with the player having worn tape on his leg during training earlier in the day.

If Arsenal decide not to take a risk on the winger’s fitness, it’s likely Raheem Sterling would come in for another start this weekend.

Martinelli has already made 10 appearances for Arsenal this season, including seven starts. He’s featured for at least a few minutes in every Gunners game this campaign.

The Brazilian’s form seemed to be picking up more recently, with two goals and two assists in his last five games, including the goal to give his team the lead against Southampton in their latest fixture.

Martinelli then went away on international duty and came off the bench for a few minutes against Chile, but whether he plays any part for Arsenal this weekend remains to be seen.