da roleta: Gabriel Martinelli is “not ruled out” of the north London derby, with Arsenal still hoping to have him at their disposal against Tottenham.
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Brazilian winger forced off against EvertonSat out Champions League clash with PSVCould return to action in Spurs meetingWHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazilian winger was considered to be a major doubt for a grudge match against Spurs at Emirates Stadium on Sunday after being forced off against Everton after just 24 minutes. He then played no part in a 4-0 Champions League win over PSV.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Martinelli has been nursing a hamstring complaint, but Mikel Arteta told reporters when asked for a fitness update on his squad ahead of a crunch clash with local rivals: “Thomas Partey is still out. The rest are available but there aren't any other big issues. Gabi [Martinelli], we are still assessing him. He is not ruled out at this stage.”
WHAT THEY SAID
While facing a big selection call on Martinelli, Arsenal have another to make between the sticks. David Raya has been favoured as first-choice goalkeeper in the club’s last two games, with Arteta saying of how England international Aaron Ramsdale has reacted to that decision: “I care about every player that isn't playing, but it's my job to make a decision in the best possible way for the team. He's been supportive and great around the place, that's what I expect from my players. So far he has been really good. Am I comfortable [making the decision]? I'm not sure. In your stomach it's hard. When players don't play it's difficult. You want them to feel wanted but it's tough. We have seen how important it is for everybody to feature over the season.”
GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Arsenal have made an impressive start to the 2023-24 campaign, taking 13 points from their opening five Premier League games, and have been boosted by the news that talismanic club captain Martin Odegaard has signed a new contract.