Gabriel Martinelli: Progress & potential return date for Arsenal forward

Gabriel Martinelli will not look back on Sunday's duel with Brighton with much fondness.

The Brazilian's nasty clash with Kaoru Mitoma left him with a target on his back, and supposed Arsenal transfer target Moises Caicedo claimed the bounty when he took the winger out from behind just minutes after he'd collided with his Seagulls teammate.

Caicedo's challenge was certainly cynical, and his high five with Mitoma in the aftermath suggests there was some intent.

However, the Ecuadorian international has since expressed his regret at the tackle which forced Martinelli off and left him wearing a protective boot after Brighton swatted aside the Gunners 3-0 to all but dash their title hopes.

What injury has Gabriel Martinelli got?

Martinelli has since undergone a scan on his left leg, but the precise nature of his injury is unclear.

Caicedo's challenge is likely to have done damage to the Brazilian's ankle, but club doctor Gary O’Driscoll doesn't believe the 21-year-old has sustained a major issue.

O'Driscoll labelled the Ecuadorian's tackle as 'disgraceful' and described the Martinelli as 'sore' post-match. “I think he’ll be back before the end of the season,” he added.

What Arsenal games will Gabriel Martinelli miss?

There are just two games left in the 2022/23 season for the Gunners, and their defeat on Sunday means these bouts don't carry the same weight as they once did.

Thus, there's no real need to rush Martinelli back, although O'Driscoll believes we'll see the Brazilian again before the season draws to a close. The 21-year-old may not miss any time at all, but Mikel Arteta could use an alternative option down Arsenal's left against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Martinelli has had his fair share of injury woes in the past, but the winger has remained injury-free throughout the Gunners' current campaign.

Arsenal's upcoming fixture list

Who could replace Gabriel Martinelli?

Leandro Trossard was understandably Arteta's choice to replace Martinelli against Brighton, but the Belgian produced one of his poorest displays in an Arsenal shirt since joining the club in January.

Trossard's impact has been positive in recent months, but he missed a couple of good chances on Sunday and was responsible for giving away possession which directly led to Brighton's second goal.

Arteta may well stick with the former Seagull at Forest on Saturday, but Arsenal supporters are keen for Reiss Nelson to get the nod - presuming Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka retain their places in the front three. Nelson has often been a bright spark off the bench this season, and he added some impetus to a limp second half showing from the Gunners on Sunday.

The winger's contract expires in the summer and he's had few opportunities to impress Arteta in the Premier League this season. Nelson's racked up a meagre 171 league minutes this term and hasn't started a single game in the top-flight.