Mikel Arteta has now claimed that one Arsenal youngster could play the entire 90 minutes against Luton on Wednesday night.
The Gunners will be looking to ensure Sunday’s hard-fought point against Manchester City actually means something by picking up all three against the Hatters.
If Arsenal fail to do so, it would come as a major blow in the Premier League title race.
However, Arsenal‘s chances of winning have now received a boost after Mikel Arteta shared some interesting comments during his press conference…
Mikel Arteta says 22-year-old could play 90 minutes for Arsenal against Luton
Well, the Gunners missed Gabriel Martinelli in Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City.
The Brazil international was able to come on for the final 12 minutes, but was not fit enough to start at the Etihad Stadium.
Martinelli has struggled with a foot injury ever since the 6-0 win over Sheffield United back in March, and was seen on crutches before the recent 2-1 victory over Brentford.
Now – however – Arteta has claimed that the South American could actually play 90 minutes against Luton.
The Spaniard is quoted by Chris Wheatley as saying: “He is (available to play for 90 minutes) because he was available to play against a really tough opponent and he certainly is today. We will train today, see the state of every player and make the right decision tomorrow.”
That is fantastic news for Arsenal – to say the least.
Martinelli’s pace and directness down the left flank are huge for the Gunners – Ian Wright even believes Arsenal would have beaten Manchester City if the Brazilian was fit enough to start.
Against a spirited Luton side – who are expected to sit deep at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday and hit the Gunners on the break – the Arsenal No.11’s excellent dribbling skills will surely be required to break down the Hatters.
Gabriel Martinelli is vital
Arteta must ensure Martinelli is actually ready to play 90 minutes, as it would be a major blow if Arsenal lost the South American during this title race.
Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus represent fantastic attacking options out on the left, although neither are as quick as Martinelli, whose electric pace helps to give Arsenal a counter attacking edge.
In truth, no forward at Arsenal is anywhere near as fast as the Brazilian, who is also an efficient forward when he enters the final third – he boasts eight goals and five assists in 33 games across all competitions this season.
Hopefully, the “unstoppable” Martinelli is fit enough to start against Luton and can also stay in the starting XI going forwards.
Arsenal are a far more dangerous side with the 22-year-old involved, to say the least.
The post 'Available': Mikel Arteta says 'unstoppable' Arsenal 22-year-old could play 90 minutes against Luton appeared first on TBR Football.