Gabriel Martinelli has handed Arsenal a boost ahead of the Boxing Day clash against Chelsea.
The Brazilian, making his first start of the season in the 4-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final loss against Manchester City on Tuesday, provided cause for concern after limping off in the second half.
Martinelli, who claimed an assist for Alexandre Lacazette to equalise, was involved in a collision with City keeper Zack Steffen in first-half stoppage time which left him limping.
There was a collective sigh of relief amongst many Arsenal fans watching from home when the teenager reappeared for the second half.
However, relief soon turned to concern when Martinelli had to be replaced by Nicolas Pepe shortly after the restart.
Without Martinelli, the Gunners slumped to a heavy loss at the Emirates Stadium that not only denied them a place in the semi-final but has increased the pressure on Mikel Arteta.
With that said, the Arsenal manager should be able to call upon the Brazilian wonderkid for the huge Premier League game against the Blues at the weekend.
Taking to social media to break his silence amid the injury scare, Martinelli has delivered some fantastic news.
"Feeling fine and ready to go again," was his seven-word message on Twitter.
It remains to be seen if Arteta is willing to hand Martinelli successive starts in quick succession following the 19-year-old's long layoff with a knee injury.
But the Gunners boss is certainly happy to have the youngster available again.
"Well, I think Gabi has a unique energy and a way to transmit his passion for the game," Arteta said after the Man City loss.
"I think he plays the game in a different way to any other player, we can’t compare him.
"But what we have to say that it’s great to have him back.
"To bring that spirit and that fight. And to play against this opponent the way he did it in that first half, I think that it’s something to be really proud and happy with."
