“I tried hard to be ready for the champions league match yesterday but i couldn’t make it”- Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli finally breaks the silence and address the media following his recent hamstring injury and issues a clue on his return date

Gabriel Martinelli breaks silence after Arsenal injury blow with Champions League message

Gabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Everton at Goodison Park last weekend

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has broken his silence after suffering a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win against Everton last weekend. The Brazilian winger was unavailable for the opening Champions League group stage clash against PSV on Wednesday as Mikel Arteta awaits to find out how long he will be sidelined for.

The 22-year-old did not feature in training ahead of the win against PSV and it’s unclear whether he will be fit to face Tottenham in the North London Derby on Sunday. Arteta offered a fresh update on Martinelli’s fitness earlier this week with the Brazil international set to undergo further tests to understand the extent of his injury.

The Arsenal boss told reporters on Tuesday: “He [Martinelli] felt something in his hamstring. We need to do some further tests.”

If his injury is a grade 1 one hamstring strain, Martinelli will likely be out for around a fortnight, according to Physical therapy doctor Dr. Rajpal Brar. Writing on X (formerly known as Twitter), Brar said: “Re: Gabriel Martinelli’s hamstring injury.

“Seen some say it’s grade 1 injury. If true, typically looking ~ 2 weeks but also depends on location (closer to a tendon = longer timeline, typically).

“He’s also a high pace player = (Up arrow emoji) demand on hamstring. Awaiting more info. #Arsenal.”

Martinelli was present for Arsenal’s first game back in the Champions League after a six-year absence as he watched on from the stands. The Brazilian posted an Instagram story ahead of kick-off with the message: “Let’s goooo heart emoji.”

Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber remain sidelined with their own respective injuries. Arsenal are hoping to have Partey back after the October international break – whilst football.london understands Timber’s earliest return date could be March 2024 after he suffered a serious knee injury in the opening Premier League fixture of the season against Nottingham Forest.