football.london understands that Gabriel Martinelli is set to make his return to playing action after a long term injury with the Arsenal under-21s on Tuesday night.
The Brazilian has been out injured since June after sustaining a serious knee injury in training that was expected to keep him out of first team action until next year.
Martinelli has not played for Arsenal since March as a result of the injury and the global stoppage in football as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He was projected to be making a return for the Young Gunners at the end of December but now it appears that he will be back ahead of schedule.
football.london can exclusively reveal that the the 19-year-old will start their Papa John's Trophy match againt AFC Wimbledon. He is expected to play 45-60 minutes before being taken off to protect his fitness.
Martinelli was pictured back in full training last week after nearly six months away due to the injury.
The Brazilian has impressed since his move from Brazilian fourth division side Ituano last season scoring 10 goals and making four assists in his debut campaign.
Exclusive: Gabriel Martinelli will play for Arsenal U21s tonight #EFLTrophy pic.twitter.com/gtKgDKdmb9
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) December 8, 2020
Mikel Arteta is a fan of the forward, but has spoken about he doesn't want to put too much pressure on him at such a young age.
"Gabi is another one that even in a moment of adversity, you see him training and everything he brings to the team, his energy, his passion, his motivation, is translating positive emotions to everybody" said the Arsenal manager.
"He tries and goes and goes again and he wants to score a goal. He’s ruthless in training in every single action and the more players and staff you have to add that, at the end that gets translated to what happens on the football pitch and over time you will be stable.
"Gabi’s pressing brings something different to the team and we need players like him.
"Time is the key word in this industry, and nobody is going to give you time. The moment the ball doesn’t go in the net and you lose a football match, you’re going to question all the rest, so with Gabi it’s the same.
"Now he needs time. He’s done it for a period of time and in certain moments throughout a game, but consistently for three years, two or one?
"He’s never done it. I’m sorry, he’s never done it, so we cannot put that pressure on him. It’s like with Bukayo and other young players that we have, they’ve never done it in their career, so why do you expect him to do it today?
"And in which environment? In which context? Patience, but he’s a positive guy to have back on the team because he’s such a character."
Fans will be able to watch the return of the 19-year-old on the AFC Wimbledon website. The South Londoners will be streaming the game live for a fee of £10.
