The Brazilian resumed playing in December after more than six months due to a serious knee problem
Gabriel Martinelli was ruled out of last-minute injuries for Arsenal ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Newcastle United after injuring themselves in the warm-up.
Arsenal confirmed the 19-year-old turned his finger minutes before he started as he prepared for the game.
Martinelli had started but was quickly removed from the starting line-up, with Reiss Nelson taking his place.
The Gunners quickly made it clear that the decision was only a “warning”, but the teenager, who hopes to re-establish himself in plans, has an unexpected headache. the club after his recent injuries.
🚨 Our starting XI has changed
Gabi turned his finger in the warm-up and was replaced by another @ ReissNelson9 as a warning #EmiratesFACup https://t.co/F6AJbDfQ5l pic.twitter.com/XgPl6vDIVD
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 9, 2021
The Brazilian returned to his first team in December against Everton after missing six months of activity due to a knee injury, which halted his promising start in life at the Emirates Stadium.
He has since gone on to make three starts this season, although he sat out Arsenal ‘s last Premier League title against West Brom as an unused substitute.
Speaking recently about the injury, which he suffered at a training session in June, Martinelli admitted he was crying when he heard he needed surgery and a long operation.
“I was about to get the ball and I was feeling a little pain on my knee. It wasn’t enough for me to stop working, but, while we were on the finishing session, I said told them I was in pain, “he explained to the Daily mail .
“They asked me to rest and, if I felt the pain the next day, to tell them.
“When I woke up, I felt like I could walk. I thought it was nothing at first, but it was a pain I had never been before. I went to the club for the exams and they said it wasn’t good and I needed surgery. it broke me. i cried a lot. “
Martinelli also paid tribute to manager Mikel Arteta for supporting him while he was off, while revealing that he cannot afford to return to the regular duties of the first team.
“Mikel spoke to me when I got over it,” Martinelli said.
“Always contacting me as I was, even when I returned to Brazil for a while in August. When the club needed me, he spoke to me again, asking if I was feeling ready to play.
“I said, yes. I still feel a little pain in the knee, but the doctors say it’s fine. I couldn’t play 90 minutes yet, but it takes time too. My focus is on getting better and helping Arsenal. “