Gabriel Martinelli hands Arsenal a fitness boost as he confirms he is fit for the crunch Europa League quarter-final with Slavia Prague after being forced off by an ankle knock following his goal against Sheffield United
- Gabriel Martinelli scored his first goal in 15 months against Sheffield United
- The Arsenal forward was starting his first Premier League game since January
- But after appearing to suffer a knock, he was replaced by Mohamed Elneny
- However, the Brazilian confirmed he is fine to play against Slavia Prague
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has allayed fears that he has suffered another injury after confirming he is ‘alright to play’ in their crunch Europa League second leg against Slavia Prague.
The 19-year-old started a Premier League game for the first time since late January against Sheffield United on Sunday, and netted his first goal for almost 15 months in the Gunners’ 3-0 win at Bramall Lane.
But the Brazilian was replaced by midfielder Mohamed Elneny in the 83rd minute after appearing to take a knock to the ankle, leading to concerns he had suffered an injury setback following his long-term knee issue last year.
Gabriel Martinelli insists he is ‘alright to play’ against Slavia Prague after netting his first goal in nearly 15 months
The 19-year-old appeared to suffer an ankle knock in the 3-0 win at Sheffield United
However, speaking to the club’s official website after the game, Martinelli, when asked if he a problem, said: ‘No, I am alright to play on Thursday.
‘I am feeling a bit tired but I’m so happy with the goal and even happier with the victory and the three points.
‘I work every single day in training, you need to prepare yourself because when Mikel [Arteta] needs you, you need to be there to play and show something.’
But speaking after the game, Martinelli confirmed he would be available to Mikel Arteta (left)
The Gunners’ season is on the line when they travel to the Czech Republic to take on Slavia on Thursday following last week’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
A profligate Gunners side took the lead late on through record signing Nicolas Pepe, only for centre-back Tomas Holes to equalise for the Czech champions in the third minute of added time.
Arteta’s men will face former boss Unai Emery’s Villarreal or Tottenham’s conquerors Dinamo Zagreb in the semi-finals should they progress.
The Gunners head to Prague level in the tie after an added time leveller from Tomas Holes (left)
