Arsenal dealt second major injury blow vs Sheffield United as Gabriel Martinelli limps off
Arsenal were dealt a second problematic injury after half-time against Sheffield United as Gabriel Martinelli had to be helped off the pitch. The Brazilian was supported by two Gunners medics as he left the field just 20 minutes after Bukayo Saka had been taken off.
Mikel Arteta substituted the winger at the break after he grimaced following a shot in the opening 45 minutes. He got through to half-time but was seen speaking to the club physio as he headed down the tunnel.
Several of Arsenal's players had been on the receiving end of frustrated tackles from their opposition at Bramall Lane as the scoreline continued to rise. Martinelli had scored the third on the night and left with his side 6-0 up.
That equalled the club's biggest-ever away margin of victory at the time. Saka himself had played a key role in the second goal, crossing into the box only for Blades defender Jayden Bogle to divert into his own net.
Martinelli's injury came as he looked to inflict yet more pain on the relegation-bound hosts. He attempted to take a first time shot on the edge of the Sheffield United box but found himself on the floor moments after having been kicked on the foot.
Saka's issue was more subtle. It is not yet clear whether his substitution was injury-related. Arteta will address the two calls in his post-match press conference.
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Arsenal welcomed back both Fabio Vieira — in place of Saka — and Gabriel Jesus from injuries of their own. Thomas Partey also came on in the second half.
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