Gabriel Martinelli injury update | OneFootball

Arsenal’s injury concerns deepen after Gabriel Martinelli was forced off in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle.

With a crucial scan set, the club faces anxious wait.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Gabriel Martinelli was forced off in the first half of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United, adding another concern to a season already disrupted by injuries.

The 23-year-old Brazilian appeared to clutch his right hamstring in the 37th minute before being replaced by Ethan Nwaneri, with Mikel Arteta confirming post-match that the forward will undergo an MRI scan to determine the extent of the issue.

“He (Martinelli) felt something, I think it was his hamstring and he wasn’t comfortable to continue,” Arteta said after the 2-0 defeat at St. James’ Park, which sealed a 4-0 aggregate exit from the competition. “So, we will have to have an MRI scan tomorrow to see the extent of the injury.”

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Martinelli’s history with hamstring problems is, thankfully, encouraging. One previously sidelined Martinelli for three weeks in September 2023, when he missed six matches, while another only kept him out for 15 days in the 19/20 season.

His fitness record has also not overly been a concern in recent seasons, with previous issues including a foot injury in March 2024 (four games for club and country), an ankle injury in May 2023 (three games), and, of course, the serious knee injury in 2020 that kept him out for nearly six months (34 games club and country).

Arsenal’s medical staff will now assess the severity of the latest setback, with hamstring injuries ranging in severity from mild strains (which typically require 2–3 weeks of recovery) to more serious tears that can take significantly longer.

With Arsenal now heading to Dubai for warm-weather training, Martinelli’s availability for their return fixture against Leicester City on February 15 remains uncertain.

The timing of the injury is another frustration for Arteta, who has already had to manage several key absences this season. Should Martinelli face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the burden on Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri to maintain an attacking threat will only increase.

Hamstring injuries

Hamstring injuries are classified into three grades based on their severity. These grades help medical professionals determine the extent of the injury and guide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plans.

Grade 1 (Mild): A Grade 1 hamstring injury is a minor strain or pull, with only a few muscle fibres affected. There is usually mild pain and discomfort but no significant loss of strength or function. Recovery time for a Grade 1 injury is typically between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the individual and the specific injury.

Grade 2 (Moderate): A Grade 2 hamstring injury involves a partial tear of the muscle fibres. This results in more pain, swelling, and possible bruising. The individual might experience difficulty walking or have a limited range of motion. Recovery time for a Grade 2 injury is usually between 4 to 8 weeks.

Grade 3 (Severe): A Grade 3 hamstring injury is a complete tear or rupture of the muscle, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and significant loss of function. This type of injury may require surgical intervention (think Bukayo Saka), depending on the location and extent of the tear. Recovery time for a Grade 3 injury can range from 3 to 6 months, or even longer, depending on the severity and the individual’s healing process.

It’s important to note that recovery times can vary depending on the individual, the quality of the rehabilitation program, and other factors. It’s crucial to follow the advice of medical professionals and adhere to a proper rehabilitation plan to minimise the risk of re-injury and ensure a full recovery.