Arsenal have been handed a boost by the news that Gabriel Martinelli is aiming to play for the club’s Under-23 side this month.
The 19-year-old was one of the Gunners’ bright sparks last season, but he suffered a serious knee injury in June.
Martinelli has slowly been working his way back to full fitness and he is now ready to take a major step forward.
The Brazilian is integrating into squad training sessions and is aiming to play for Arsenal’s Under-23s in a match in December.
The news is a boost for Arsenal, who have been short on goals this season, as Martinelli was their third top scorer last season.
Gabriel Martinelli has been absent for Arsenal since suffering a serious knee injury in training in June
Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesThere was a further boost for the Gunners ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match against Rapid Vienna as Sead Kolasinac was declared available again after testing positive for Covid-19.
He tested positive for the virus while on international duty with Bosnia and Herzegovina last month. The defender is currently asymptomatic and, following negative tests, has been cleared to play in Thursday’s game at Emirates Stadium.
Kolasinac’s return means fellow left-back Kieran Tierney can finally be rested after playing 300 minutes during the recent international break and starting both of Arsenal’s Premier League games since then.
Thomas Partey will miss Thursday’s clash with Rapid Vienna, however, as he remains out with a thigh injury.
