Arsenal’s star forward Gabriel Martinelli is likely to miss the UEFA Champions League clash against FC Porto as the Gunners aim for a comeback after losing the first leg 1-0, reported The Athletic on Monday.
The Brazilian injured his foot during the Gunners’ thumping 6-0 win over Sheffield United on March 5 and was walked off the field with the help of two staff members.
Martinelli was also not present in Monday’s training session, which was the last before the match, but head coach Mikel Arteta refused to rule the Brazilian out of the match.
“Not many (team news) updates,” Arteta said. “We still have 24 hours and we are trying to have everyone fit and available. (Tomiyasu) did the first part (of training) and Martinelli didn’t.”
There was a hope that the 22-year-old would be available during Saturday’s match against Brentford, which Arsenal won to go top of the table, but the forward was seen on crutches in the stadium.
Arsenal currently trail by a goal against Porto and Arteta is confident to turn things and guide the Gunners to their first quarter-final since 2010.
“We’re certainly going to have to tweak a few things to generate much more than what we did against them. It’s the level of the Champions League; you’re facing top teams, the fact that there are two games as well plays on your mind and we’re going to have to be better tomorrow,” Arteta said.
“That’s the opportunity [to reach the quarters] that we have tomorrow, in front of our people and in our stadium. For 96 minutes bring your energy, bring your noise and let’s do it together."
Arteta hoped that fans would back the team throughout the 90 minutes as the Gunners need them more than ever.
"I think the impact they can make tomorrow is incredible. I don’t think that they really realise so we need that noise and we need them playing every single ball with us.
"We need that emotion controlled as well to understand that the game can go through certain phases and we have to be really intelligent to push in the right moments to get what we want. It is a beautiful opportunity to live these nights - it’s been 14 years so everything that we put in is going to be worth it," he added.