Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli faces more than a month out after suffering a hamstring injury during his side’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle on Wednesday.
Arsenal are already without striker Gabriel Jesus for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury, while winger Bukayo Saka is not expected to return from his hamstring problem until mid-March at the earliest.
The club were unsuccessful in their attempts to sign a new forward in January and only have Kai Havertz as a recognised striker.
Martinelli, who has travelled with the rest of the Arsenal squad to their warm-weather training camp in Dubai, could potentially miss crucial Premier League fixtures against Leicester City, West Ham and Nottingham Forest in February.
Martinelli limps off after injuring his hamstring against Newcastle
The 23-year-old would also be a doubt for games against Manchester United and Chelsea – both live on Sky Sports – the following month, as well as Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 tie due to be held at the start of March.
Martinelli was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri in the 37th minute at St James’ Park after holding the back of his thigh.
Arsenal are second in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand.
The Gunners flew out to Dubai on Thursday with Mikel Arteta and his staff overseeing their first training session on Friday.
Saka and Martinelli travelled with the group but were not pictured in training although Ben White was involved on his return from knee surgery.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
David Ornstein says Arsenal missed their chance to sign Alexander Isak and the Gunners should now look elsewhere
More to follow…
Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures
Saturday February 15: Leicester vs Arsenal – Premier League, kick-off 12.30pm
Saturday February 22: Arsenal vs West Ham – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
Wednesday February 26: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Premier League, kick-off 7.30pm
Sunday March 9: Manchester United vs Arsenal – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports
Sunday March 16: Arsenal vs Chelsea – Premier League, kick-off 3pm, live on Sky Sports
