Arsenal give huge boost as forward Gabriel Martinelli returns to training just days after ankle injury in warm-up left him in tears as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare for Crystal Palace clash
- Gabriel Martinelli injured his ankle before Saturday’s win against Newcastle
- But scans on Tuesday reveal that there is no lasting damage to the 19-year-old
- The Arsenal striker could even return to the matchday squad on Thursday night
- Mikel Arteta only recently welcomed the Brazilian back after a knee injury
Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of Thursday’s game against Crystal Palace after Gabriel Martinelli returned to training today.
The Brazilian striker was left in tears before Saturday’s FA Cup third round win against Newcastle after having to withdraw from the starting line-up after picking up an ankle injury in the warm-up.
But a scan on Tuesday revealed no lasting damage and the 19-year-old was videoed back in training on Wednesday – to the relief of Gunners fans who feared the worst again for the teenager.
Gabriel Martinelli seemed in good spirits as he returned to Arsenal training on Wednesday
Martinelli missed six months of 2020 after a serious knee injury and only returned to action against Everton on December 19.
After Saturday’s game, Arteta admitted he was upset that the teenager’s luck had seemingly turned again.
‘I am gutted. I was in my office before the game and one of the coaches came in and said that Gabi hurt himself, that he twisted his ankle,’ Arteta said.
‘I went to the medical room and he was in tears. It didn’t look good. He was in a lot of pain and we’re going to have to see how he is.
He sustained an injury on Saturday (L) but he could be available to Mikel Arteta (R) again soon
‘He was in pain so I imagine we’re not going to have good news with him.’
Yet Martinelli was in training today, and could even make the matchday squad for the Palace clash at the Emirates.
Arsenal are looking to close the gap on those above them – including sixth-placed Tottenham, who are six points superior – with three points, and host Newcastle again on Monday night, this time in the league.
