Gabriel Martinelli injury latest as Mikel Arteta issues Arsenal positive update for Brentford

Both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are looking likely to be available ahead of the weekend Mikel Arteta said.

Mikel Arteta was speaking to the press ahead of Arsenal’s game against Brentford at the weekend. The Gunners had been concerned by the early substitutions of both Saka and Martinelli who were forced off in the 6-0 away win at Sheffield United.

Arteta said regarding the latest team news, “Not much. We’ve got some players back last Monday and then we had Martinelli and Bukayo with little issues. We’re pretty positive that hopefully, they can be part of that. But we’ll have to see"

Arsenal press conference LIVE – Mikel Arteta on Brentford, Gabriel Martinelli and Jurrien Timber

Arsenal star confirmed to miss Brentford amid Gabriel Martinelli injury worry

There were no updates specifically on the chances of seeing Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber, however. On the Japanese international, the Spaniard did give a positive update following the game with Sheffield United.

«He’s very close,» Arteta said. «He’s already doing something on the grass and hopefully we’re going to have him very close with us.»

Arteta has been dealing with very minimal depth in the defence but the returning trio are sure to provide plenty of options in the near future. Arsenal face Brentford on Saturday before hosting FC Porto in midweek but then face a lengthy 19-day break including the international period before they travel up to face Manchester City on March 31.

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