Arsenal hope to have ‘unstoppable’ £6m player back when they face Man City

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Arsenal journalist James McNicholas has now been providing an injury update on a key player with the game against Manchester City in mind.

Mikel Arteta faces a huge test when Arsenal welcome Porto to the Emirates for the second leg of their Champions League tie tonight.

Although 1-0 down from the first leg, this Arsenal squad must be brimming with confidence given their scoring of late, and the likes of Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka must be raring to go.

Following tonight’s game Arsenal will then have a sizable break before they travel to the Etihad to face Man City on the 31st March.

Perhaps the international break doesn’t actually come at the best time for Arteta and his side, particularly if tonight’s result isn’t the one fans are hoping for.

That being said, it seems that period without a game will bring one positive in regards to Gabriel Martinelli being ready for the tie with City.

The £6m-Brazilian sadly won’t feature against Porto tonight owing to a foot issue.

But according to journalist James McNicholas, Martinelli is hoped to be back from his injury in time to face Man City.

Gabriel Martinelli should return from Arsenal injury in time for Manchester City

Sharing his update on X, McNicholas confirmed the news that Martinelli won’t be going away with Brazil.

He explained: “Although Mikel Arteta has refused to rule Martinelli out for Porto, my understanding is he has a deep cut on his foot and the hope is to have him ready for Man City.

“Won’t be selected for Brazil.”

And whilst it’s frustrating news that Martinelli will be missing through injury for Arsenal tonight, it will come as a relief that the ‘unstoppable‘ winger should be ready for that huge game against City.

It remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta will choose either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Jesus in his XI against Porto tonight.

Perhaps the former would be better suited if Oleksandr Zinchenko returns at left back in place of Jakub Kiwior.

It’s a huge night for Arsenal, and their next two games seem incredibly definitive for how their season will end.