Mikel Arteta has been questioned on the lack of playing time for Gabriel Martinelli ahead of Monday’s clash with Crystal Palace.
The Brazilian has featured in just two of our seven Premier League matches so far this term, despite remaining fit throughout.
One reason for his limited playing time thus far could be the fact that he wasn’t with the squad for pre-season having been at the Olympics with Brazil prior to the term.
Arteta doesn’t believe there should be any issue over his playing time at present however, although his availability isn’t certain this weekend after picking up an injury last week.
When asked why Gabi has played so little during his pre-match press conference ahead of Crystal Palace, Mikel stated(as quoted on Arsenal’s official website): “Well, because of the amount of players we have in those positions. First of all, he had some games that he played. He started against Brentford and he started against Chelsea as well. Unfortunately he got injured last week – it’s a minor injury and we don’t know if he’s going to be available for Monday. We have a lot of options with Gabi and we need to find the right space for him to grow within the squad.”
The Spaniard was then asked if he was progressing still as he would have liked, and he honestly replied: “No, if you look at the number of games that he’s played, the injuries he’s suffered have been big setbacks. We sometimes forget his age, what he’s done and where he is. We need to try to help him to maintain that balance because you know you can generate frustration that, in my opinion, comes out of a not very realistic diagnosis. You need time to do that.”
The boss then stated that he has no intention to send Martinelli out on loan at present, stating: “I’m very happy with him. We’re not thinking about anything like that.”
Hope to see Martinelli feature more this year with our club. I tend to be a bit excited, because if Arteta could improve Sterling at City, then I hope for the same with Martinelli.
GM shows more willingness to play defense, so I truly hope Arteta can sharpen his attacking prowess.
I will remain positive, unless this season ends like the last with GM rarely featuring. The injury reasoning was sensible in January, but in April and May not as much. Doctors cleared him, player was ready, unfortunately Willian got the call too often to come on.
I hope we don’t lose this kid because of Artetas treatment of him ,he’s been badly man managed for the last 12 months .
I suppose you could say the same for a number of our attacking talents though so maybe it’s something that needs to be looked at before more money is thrown at the problem .
Pepe, Saliba, Gouendouzi, Willock, Martinez and Martinelli all badly handled/managed.
The counter argument would be to highlight how good Management has assisted in the blossoming careers of Saka and ESR.
You can Grandad but they seem in the minority and ESR may well still be sitting on the bench if it wasnt for an injury to Odergaard last year whom Arteta played over him. I can name many more for different reasons but i will relent.