Mikel Arteta believes Gabriel Martinelli is ready to take on the responsibility of replacing Bukayo Saka, who is expected to be out for up to two months after sustaining a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace. This injury is a major setback for Arsenal’s title hopes. With Raheem Sterling also sidelined for an extended period, Arteta plans to count on Martinelli for the upcoming match against Ipswich.
The 23-year-old Brazilian forward was shifted to the right wing following Saka’s injury at Selhurst Park, where he scored a goal and provided an assist. Arteta commented, “Gabi thrives on these challenges – he’s eager to step up whenever given the opportunity. He enjoys taking on responsibility and playing a more prominent role.”
Arteta acknowledged Martinelli’s impact in the Palace match and stressed that all players must step up in Saka’s absence, as he is a key figure in the team.
Despite criticism over overusing Saka, Arteta defended the player’s physical resilience, pointing out his exceptional durability over the years. He remarked, “When you look at his history, it’s remarkable. It’s hard to find a more robust player in the league, especially at his age when the workload increases.” He also noted that even with optimal preparation, injuries like these are difficult to predict.
Arteta has other options to replace Saka, including Leandro Trossard and young Ethan Nwaneri. However, he cautioned against rushing Nwaneri’s development, emphasizing the importance of continued growth and understanding of the game.
Arsenal, currently trailing in the title race behind Liverpool and Chelsea, is determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s post-Christmas slump. Reflecting on last season’s losses to West Ham and Fulham, Arteta emphasized the lessons learned, humorously noting that the key takeaway was “the ball has to be in the net!”
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