Gabriel Martinelli is dealing with a foot injury (Picture: Getty Images)
Gabriel Martinelli has withdrawn from the Brazil squad for their upcoming international fixtures and is expected to miss out on Arsenal’s Champions League game with Porto on Tuesday night.
The 22-year-old suffered a foot injury in the 6-0 demolition of Sheffield United earlier this month and was not involved as the Gunners beat Brentford 2-1 at the weekend.
Brazil have upcoming friendlies against England and Spain on 23 and 26 March respectively, but he will not be involved, reports The Athletic.
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has also pulled out of the international squad after picking up a thigh injury in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, which could sideline him for up to a month.
Martinelli had not yet been ruled out of Arsenal’s crucial clash with Porto on Tuesday, but his withdrawal from international duty suggests he will not be involved.
Mikel Arteta’s side lost the first leg 1-0 in Portugal so remain favourites to progress going into the game at the Emirates but have a lot of work to do.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Arteta said of his injury concerns: ‘Not many updates, we still have 24 hours and we’re trying to have everyone fit and available.
Mikel Arteta would not be drawn on Martinelli’s availability (Picture: Getty Images)
Asked about Takehiro Tomiyasu returning to training on Monday, Arteta said: ‘Yeah, he did the first part and Gabi didn’t. But that’s what we were hoping for.
‘Everybody that is available, I think, has to be available enough to play because you might have to play after five minutes or from the start.
‘The boys are in a good place.’
Pushed on the chances of Martinelli playing, Arteta replied: ‘A percentage you want? There are options. Sorry to disappoint you.’
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