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Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly picked up a calf issue while on international duty with Brazil. This is according to TNT Sports Brazil, who claim that the winger is doubtful for the World Cup Qualifier against Peru on Tuesday, October 15 (via GOAL).
This would be a significant blow for the Gunners, who are dealing with an injury to star player Bukayo Saka. Should the England international remain sidelined for a significant period of time, they would not wish to lose Martinelli on the opposite flank.
The Brazilian has been the first choice for Mikel Arteta this season on Arsenal's left amid competition from Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling. He's started five out of seven Premier League matches while featuring in the first XI in both UEFA Champions League ties.
Overall, Martinelli's made 10 appearances across competitions, bagging two goals and assists each. If he is to miss his team's weekend league tie against Bournemouth (October 19), it is likely that Sterling or Trossard will take the 23-year-old's place on the left.
Much will depend on who Arteta decides to fill in for Saka on the right, with no left-footed winger to act as a natural replacement. Apart from Trossard and Sterling, the north Londoners can turn to Gabriel Jesus, who is more than capable of doing the job in wide areas.
In Arsenal's latest league 3-1 win over Southampton on October 5, it was Sterling who was preferred over Martinelli on the left. It remains to be seen if the former Manchester City star keeps his place for this weekend's clash.
Currently, the Gunners are placed third in the league standings, a point behind leaders Liverpool.
England boss Lee Carsley provides update on Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka's fitness
England manager Lee Carsley provided an update on Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka ahead of his team's 3-1 Nations League victory over Finland on Sunday (October 13).
The Gunners star was released to his club side after he hobbled off in The Three Lions' 2-1 loss to Greece on October 10. Claiming that Saka was close to featuring for the team in their latest outing, Carsley said (via Mirror):
"Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him."
Saka has been pivotal for Arsenal so far this season, having featured in 10 matches across competitions. From these appearances, the Englishman has bagged three goals and seven assists.
