WHAT HAPPENED?
Mikel Arteta dealt with another injury blow as star attacker Gabriel Martinelli was forced to leave the pitch towards the end of the first half during the club’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash against the Magpies on Wednesday. The Brazilian went down on the pitch grabbing the back of his thigh as it appeared to be a hamstring injury.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Martinelli’s injury comes as a huge blow for the Gunners, who are already missing the services of two key attackers, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus through long-term injuries. Following the closure of the January transfer window, Arteta expressed his frustration over the club’s lack of transfer activities. The Gunners did not sign a single player, despite being linked with moves for attackers like Mathys Tel and Ollie Watkins.
DID YOU KNOW?
Newcastle are on course to qualify for the final of the Carabao Cup. Eddie Howe’s side, who were carrying a two-goal lead from the first leg, added to their tally in the 19th minute when Jacob Murphy found the back of the net. After the break, Anthony Gordon piled on the Gunners’ misery as he extended the lead in the 52nd minute.
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
The North London side will wait for Martinelli to be assessed by their medical to be sure of the extent of the player’s injury. They will be next seen in action on February 15 against Leicester City in the Premier League.