Gabriel Martinelli sustains injury on international duty with Brazil

Arsenal have faced several injury problems this season, and Mikel Arteta may have another Martinelli problem to deal with after the international break.

Gabriel Martinelli was called up to Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru, alongside teammate Gabriel Magalhaes. Last month, Martinelli was dropped for the matches against Ecuador and Paraguay.

For Arsenal, Martinelli has started all Premier League and Champions League games, scoring two goals. He made his 14th appearance for Brazil in their win over Chile in Santiago.

However, while on duty, Martinelli sustained a right calf injury and was sent for an MRI scan. Presently, he is reportedly staying with the national team rather than returning to Arsenal.

Arsenal already have injury concerns. Bukayo Saka limped out of England’s loss to Greece at Wembley. He withdrew from the squad before their game against Finland. Martin Odegaard is still recovering from ankle ligament damage, while Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey skipped recent international matches due to injury concerns.

Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Oleksandr Zinchenko have also missed games this season, and their availability for the match against Bournemouth is uncertain.