Arsenal suffer huge injury blow as Martinelli is forced off vs Everton moments after having goal ruled out by VAR
GABRIEL MARTINELLI has been forced off injured during Arsenal’s clash with Everton.
The Arsenal winger’s day went from heaven to hell as he looked to have just put his side 1-0 up in the 21st minute.
ReutersMartinelli was forced off injured after scoring[/caption]
The goal was however ruled out for a controversial offside in the build-up for Eddie Nketiah.
Martinelli also looked to be slightly ahead of Everton‘s line but the goal was officially ruled out for Nketiah’s role in it.
Martinelli burst through to latch onto a Fabio Vieira pass and finished confidently with a curling finish to Pickford’s left.
But it appears that Martinelli tweaked a muscle when he thought he’d put Arsenal 1-0 up and he was withdrawn for Leandro Trossard.
The injury scare will of course have The Gunners sweating on Martinelli’s fitness ahead of next week’s derby with Tottenham.
Before that, Arsenal’s Champions League campaign will get underway as they host PSV on Wednesday.
The tie will mark Arsenal’s first Champions League appearance in seven years with The Gunners last competing in the tournament’s 2016-17 season.
Aaron Ramsdale‘s shock axing from the starting XI means it is likely that he will start against the Dutch side on Wednesday.
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Arteta is understood to want to get a better look at Raya’s capabilities after bringing him in on a £3million loan with a £27million option to buy.
The Arsenal manager has been impressed with the keeper’s ability to play the ball out from the back in training and will start the Spaniard for a flurry of games before deciding on his number one.
Another selection headache for Arteta going into the North London Derby will be whether to start Fabio Vieira or Kai Havertz.
Havertz was dropped for Arsenal’s visit to Goodison Park but has started Arsenal’s previous four Premier League games.
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