Featured Image Credit: TNT Sports
Topics: Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal, Premier League, Brazil, Copa America
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal, Premier League, Brazil, Copa America
An injured Gabriel Martinelli had to be escorted off the training pitch by medical staff following a heavy challenge from Brazil teammate Eder Militao.
The 23-year-old forward, who scored 10 goals in all competitions for club and country last season, was selected by Brazil for their upcoming Copa America campaign alongside Arsenal teammate Gabriel Magalhaes.
He was expected to feature in the Selecao squad for Tuesday's opener against Costa Rica at the SoFi Stadium, California.
But just days before the game, Martinelli appeared to pick up an injury after he was floored by Real Madrid defender Eder Militao, who didn't seem overly concerned about his teammate following the incident.
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You can see the footage from that training session via TNT Sports below.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the incident.
One said: "Gabriel Martinelli is forced off the pitch in Brazil training after a collision with Eder Militao. Militao then walks away unconcerned and shows no remorse."
A second wrote: "That’s disgusting from Militao. Hope Martinelli is okay," and a third commented: "Yes, it was just a collision, but I don't understand why Miltão walked away from the incident unbothered."
A fourth said: "Brutal tackle by Militao on Martinelli at the Brazil training camp. I understand training being tough, the lack of concern shown by Militao for his injured colleague after he clearly wiped him out is disgraceful. You shouldn’t put other players safety in danger just to make a point to the coach that you are fit."
A fifth added: "Militao did that to Martinelli and walked away just like that?"
Ahead of next week's clash between Brazil and Costa Rica, Martinelli opened up on what it means to represent his country.
"Brazil is my country. It is an honour to be able to represent my people, my family, my friends and all the Brazilian people," he told Spanish publication AS.
"Wearing this shirt is a source of pride for me. It is a dream to be able to play for the Brazilian national team. Almost all children, when they start playing soccer, have the dream of one day wearing this shirt. I feel very happy and honoured to have this opportunity. W
"Whenever I go on the field I try to defend our country in the best way possible and also help my teammates in the best way possible. I am very happy to represent my people."