Mikel Arteta provides latest on double Arsenal return hope ahead of FC Porto clash

Mikel Arteta failed to rule Gabriel Martinelli out of tomorrow’s Arsenal clash. The Brazilian suffered a bad cut at Sheffield United which caused him to miss the game with Brentford.

Mikel Arteta was speaking to the media ahead of Arsenal versus FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League. It followed the final training session at the Sobha Realty Training Centre ahead of the last-16 second leg clash with Gabriel Martinelli absent.

«Not many updates,» he said. «We still have 24 hours and we’re trying to have everybody fit and available.»

Asked on Tomiyasu he replied, «He did the first part, Gabi didn’t, but that’s what we’re hoping for.»

When pressed for more clarity on Martinelli's availability he said, «Percentage you want? There are options. Sorry to disappoint you.»

Despite the Brazilian’s absence, both Jurrien Timber and, as Arteta said, Takehiro Tomiyasu were involved in the session, at least the first 15 minutes that the media were in attendance for. The Japanese international has been out since the Asia Cup where he suffered a problem with the national side.

BREAKING — Mikel Arteta refuses to rule Gabriel Martinelli out of Arsenal Champions League clash

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

Arsenal take on Porto at the Emirates Stadium at 8pm UK time. football.london will be providing build-up followed by match commentary on our matchday live blog from four hours before kick-off.

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