Arsenal Loses Reliable Goalscorer Ahead Of London Derby

Arsenal is in a tough predicament heading to its game against Crystal Palace on Thursday after it was confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli sustained an ankle injury during the warm-up of the Gunners’ FA Cup third-round match against Newcastle over the weekend.

The 19-year-old twisted his ankle while executing a warm-up drill. Reiss Nelson filled in for him as he was seen leaving the stadium on crutches.

Head coach Mikel Arteta was extremely concerned for Martinelli, who recently returned from a six-month spell on the sidelines.

“I am gutted. I was in my office before the game, and one of the coaches came in and said that Gabi hurt himself, that he twisted his ankle,” Arteta said after the 2-0 win over Newcastle, as quoted on Football London.

“He was in a lot of pain and we're going to have to see how he is. He was in pain so I imagine we're not going to have good news with him,” he added.

A few days after the unfortunate incident, Arteta felt a sigh of relief after the initial MRI scan showed no signs of major damage on Martinelli's injured foot.

The Brazilian is expected to miss the North London side’s clash against Crystal Palace but could return for Newcastle’s second visit to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

“Gabi has progressed very well and we’re hoping that he will return to full training with the squad in the next few days,” a statement read on Arsenal’s official site.

Though Arteta is going to miss the services of Martinell in Arsenal's next outing, the manager saw a glimmer of hope after Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey were medically cleared to resume practice.

Arsenal has confirmed that Gabriel will be suiting up for the clash versus the Roy Hodgson-mentored brigade, while Partey's condition will be assessed ahead of the fixture with the Ghanaian midfielder "continuing to regain full fitness."