Martinelli edges ahead of Saka in Arsenal injury comeback race | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Martinelli is ahead of Bukayo Saka with regards to a potential injury comeback, but their participation before the March international break remains in doubt.

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Arsenal wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are currently out of action with hamstring injuries, and neither of them are expected to return to the pitch this month.

But with Arsenal learning their Champions League last-16 draw against PSV Eindhoven on Friday, the question is whether either of the wingers could be fit for that tie.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s match against West Ham United, Mikel Arteta wasn’t certain, but he did suggest Martinelli is the more likely of the two.

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“I’m not sure, that’s a question for the doctors,” Arteta began. “They are both evolving really well, probably Gabi Martinelli is a bit ahead of Bukayo because of the extent of the injury.

“But then we will have to see the next steps and the previous weeks before that, how the boys are feeling and what we are prepared to do.”

It’s still perhaps overly optimistic to suggest that Martinelli or Saka will play any part for Arsenal before the international break in March.

John Cross reported for the Mirror this week that Arteta is hoping to have both players back afterwards, which would mean a return against Fulham on April 1st.

Arsenal will be keen not to rush either player back, but particularly Saka. As Arteta highlights, Saka’s injury was more serious and required surgery, so the club will need to be careful with him now.

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As well as Arsenal’s Champions League tie against PSV, the Gunners also have to play third-place Nottingham Forest away from home ahead of the March break, as well as big-six sides Manchester United and Chelsea. It’s not going to be an easy run.

Before all of that, Arsenal welcome West Ham United to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.