Gabriel Martinelli misses Arsenal training ahead of Porto clash
The Brazilian came off with a cut to his foot against Sheffield United last Monday, although Mikel Arteta was «pretty positive» that he would be fine for the weekend's showdown with Brentford.
Martinelli was ultimately not passed fit for the clash with the Bees, though, and he was apparently seen walking through the mixed zone on crutches following the Gunners' 2-1 win.
As is obligatory with European matches, Arsenal hosted the media for the first part of their Monday session, where Martinelli was not involved with his teammates at London Colney.
However, both Takehiro Tomiyasu (knock) and Jurrien Timber (ACL) were present with the rest of the squad, although the latter will be gradually re-integrated into the team following his devastating injury.
Meanwhile, Tomiyasu is yet to play for the Gunners in 2024, having sustained a calf injury before the Asian Cup and then returning from the continental tournament with a knock.
Arteta was pressed on whether Tomiyasu and Martinelli would be available for Tuesday's second leg in his pre-game press conference, but the Spaniard — who is often tight-lipped when it comes to team news — did not have much to share.
«Not many updates. We still have 24 hours and we are trying to have everyone fit and available. He [Takehiro Tomiyasu] did the first part (of training), and Gabi [Martinelli] didn't,» Arteta told reporters.
The hosts will certainly welcome one player back to the squad, though, as David Raya could not face parent club Brentford at the weekend, where his deputy Aaron Ramsdale was at fault for Yoane Wissa's equaliser
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