Gabriel Martinelli set to be denied Premier League record by Liverpool star
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Gabriel Martinelli looks set to be denied a new Premier League record after being ruled out for the season through injury.
Martinelli was forced off in the first half of Arsenal's 3-0 defeat to Brighton last Sunday, following a firm challenge from Moises Caicedo.
The 21-year-old was spotted wearing a protective boot after the full-time whistle at the Emirates, causing concern among supporters.
The Athletic have now claimed that he will miss the Gunners' final two matches of the campaign against Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers after suffering ankle ligament damage.
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The winger is the latest addition to Mikel Arteta's growing list of injured absentees, joining William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko on the sidelines.
But in a personal blow for Martinelli, he won't have the opportunity to break a special Premier League record.
Martinelli set to be denied goalscoring record
Martinelli looked on course to break Roberto Firmino's Premier League record for the most goals scored by a Brazilian in a single season.
Martinelli is the Gunners's joint top-scorer in the league this season alongside Martin Odegaard on 15 goals.
Firmino, who has established himself as a fan favourite in Merseyside, scored the same amount during the 2017/18 campaign.
Liverpool have confirmed Firmino will leave Anfield at the end of the season after eight seasons at the Reds, racking up 80 goals and 50 assists in 254 Premier League appearances.
He will play his final home game against Aston Villa on Saturday, where the number nine is expected to receive a warm reception from supporters.
And to Liverpool fans' delight, the 31-year-old's record looks set to remain intact, with Martinelli's injury preventing him from overtaking his compatriot.
However, Firmino's record is not safe just yet, with Martinelli's Arsenal and Brazil teammate Gabriel Jesus still able to break the record.
Although the former Manchester City striker would require an unlikely two hat-tricks in his next two games to do so.
Nevertheless, Martinelli has time on his side and will be chasing the record again next season after committing his future to north London earlier in the year.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Arsenal, Liverpool, Gabriel Martinelli, Roberto Firmino, Premier League, Football
