Martinelli to miss rest of the season for Arsenal after knee surgery

The breakout of the young Brazilian has been one of the few positives for Arsenal in what has so far been a quite underwhelming campaign by a majority of the club’s players and the team in general. Arriving from Ituano last summer, a team playing in the lower divisions of Brazilian football, little was known of Martinelli or the potential he […]
2020-06-29 12:41:23

The breakout of the young Brazilian has been one of the few positives for Arsenal in what has so far been a quite underwhelming campaign by a majority of the club’s players and the team in general.

Arriving from Ituano last summer, a team playing in the lower divisions of Brazilian football, little was known of Martinelli or the potential he had.

The Brazilian teenager made sure to make his presence known after being handed his debut against Newcastle United back in August. Having scored 10 goals from 26 appearances in all competitions, he is the Gunners’ best scorer of the season after skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

However, his inspiring form will now come to a halt after being forced onto the treatment table.

Arsenal recently announced that Martinelli’s season has come to an abrupt end as he underwent surgery for an injury he suffered on the training ground.

A fitness update on the club’s official website read: “Left knee. Sustained injury during training on 21 June.

“Successful arthroscopic procedure undertaken to repair a lesion in the cartilage of the left knee. Will not be available for the current schedule of remaining 2019-20 matches.”

It adds to the Gunners’ current injury woes with goalkeeper Bernd Leno also expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Martinelli’s absence would be a major blow to Mikel Arteta as the 19-year-old always proved to be a game-changer in attack whenever he was called upon.

On an individual note, the youngster was looking to break in as a starter but would now have to challenge from the start when he recovers from his injury.