Arsenal handed huge injury concern with key player forced to undergo MRI scan on international duty

Arsenal could be dealt another injury blow as one key player has been forced to undergo an MRI scan.

During last month’s international break, Gunners captain Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle injury and has been out of action since.

Last week, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka limped off during England’s shock 2-1 defeat against Greece.

Speaking about Saka ahead of England’s match against Finland, interim boss Lee Carsley gave a positive update: “Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him.

“He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”

However, there is now another potential injury scare after Brazil winger Gabriel Martinelli was reportedly sent for an MRI scan after feeling pain in his right calf.

Sky Sports said: “Well this one may concern Arsenal fans, Gabriel Martinelli had an MRI scan last night after complaining of pain in his right calf.

“Martinelli is currently away with the Brazil team as they prepare for a World Cup qualifier against Peru on Thursday. He’ll continue to have treatment under the care of the Brazilian national team’s medical department. Arsenal’s next match is against Bournemouth on Saturday evening.”

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This latest injury scare has come at the worst time possible for Martinelli as former Premier League striker Darren Bent reckons the Brazilian is about to hit top form after a slow start.

He said on talkSPORT: “That’s the biggest thing – confidence – in any football. It doesn’t matter where you play, what level you play, if you haven’t got the confidence, then your performances are going to drop.

“He is working his way back, but you can see the confidence now slowly starting to come back. I believe by Christmas time, he will be absolutely flying. His confidence will be flying, the numbers will be there, and it will be the Martinelli of old.”

So far in the 24/25 season, Martinelli has made 10 appearances across all competitions for the North London club, scoring two goals and also assisting twice.