Arsenal fans believe they’ve spotted one star travelling with the rest of the squad ahead of the Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday.
The Gunners take on the Red Devils in a match of epic proportions, with the rivalry between the two sides spanning several years.
With another chapter in that encounter set to be written, Mikel Arteta has been mulling over which of his forward options he will choose amid a slight injury crisis in those areas.
Fortunately, though, Arsenal may be boosted by one early return to the squad at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Gabriel Martinelli spotted by Arsenal fans in potential injury return
The Arsenal forward line has been light on numbers over the past month or so, with a whole raft of injuries causing concerns.
Kai Havertz’s hamstring injury and Gabriel Jesus’ ACL tear will keep both centre-forwards out of action until next season.
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka tore his hamstring in December which required surgery and still sees him stepping up his recovery now.
Gabriel Martinelli’s own hamstring problem has seen him on the sidelines since early February, though a timeline of roughly one month was expected.
Since then, Arteta has stated he doesn’t expect either wide player to be back before the international break, but that may have changed.
That’s because eagle-eyed Arsenal supporters appear to have spotted Martinelli travelling with the squad to Manchester in a potential early injury return.
It may not indicate that the winger is ready to start, but could see him step up his rehabilitation to the next phase.
With some important games coming up, it could come at a crucial time for Arsenal to build his fitness up once again.
Arsenal must be cautious with Gabriel Martinelli injury return
If Gabriel Martinelli is back and available, some caution must be exercised over when and where to drop the winger into action.
With the Premier League title seemingly out of reach, it would seem foolish to desperately drop him into a game for longer than he can feature, just to get him injured again.
The Champions League is up for grabs still, though Arsenal’s 7-1 win over PSV Eindhoven means there’s no rush to bring him back for a large chunk of the second leg and he can be eased in – barring a dramatic upset.
The quarter-finals aren’t until April, giving plenty of time to get Martinelli back to full fitness, while there is hope that Bukayo Saka can join him in that.
It could be the bit of luck turning that Arsenal need for these final few months.