Arsenal took a major blow with the confirmation of Gabriel Martinelli’s injury. The Brazilian forward, one of Mikel Arteta’s most-used players this season, suffered a right hamstring injury and could be sidelined for up to six weeks. The medical staff is working to speed up his recovery, but the absence of the No. 11 is already a big concern.
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A key absence at a crucial moment
The season has reached a crucial juncture, with away trips to Leicester, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest, with home games against Manchester United and Chelsea. It weakens one of the major attacking weapons in Martinelli as he joins a long injury list that already boasts Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka. If that was not enough, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Benjamin White are in the medical room. With key players not available, Arteta must find quick solutions to keep his squad competitive.
The absence of Martinelli not only has to do with rotation in the squad but alters completely the way Gunners used to attack.
How can Arsenal replace Martinelli?
With Martinelli ruled out for a period of time, Arteta is bound to review his attacking arrangement. He will need to slightly alter his overall strategy to neutralize the effects brought about by losing such a spirited player. The situation shows another weakness common in Arsenal-the persistent injuries to leading players. Demanding times of the season, when the squad should show depth if the level is to be sustained. Limited in attacking options, Arteta would have to show his creativity with a formation shift to avoid witnessing a slump.
Recovery road
The club is closely monitoring Martinelli’s recovery, hoping he can return sooner than expected. However, the immediate concern is how Arsenal will maintain its attacking efficiency without one of its key players. How the team handles this setback could shape the rest of its season and its push for silverware.