Emi Martinez and Reiss Nelson send heartfelt Instagram messages to Arsenal star

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Gabriel Martinelli was forced off with another injury on Tuesday night as Arsenal crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the quarter-finals stage thanks to a heavy 4-1 defeat to Manchester City – and both Emi Martinez and Reiss Nelson have responded.

Martinelli, 19, finally made his long-awaited come back from a knee injury during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Everton as a substitute inside the last 20 minutes and on Tuesday night, he was given a start against Pep Guardiola’s men.

He made an instant impact. Starting on the left, he crossed superbly for Alexandre Lacazette to equalise after Gabriel Jesus had put City ahead. But from that point in, Guardiola’s men cruised to victory – as Pep beat his former assistant, again.

Goals from Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte saw Manchester City cruise into the last four of the competition, where they will meet Brentford and the winners of Everton and Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke.

Martinelli was substituted after 49 minutes after taking a hefty blow on the shin just before half-time. City’s on-rushing goalkeeper Zack Steffen followed through on the £6million (Goal) Brazilian after timing a slide tackle to perfection.

He remained on the field of play after thew break but lasted only four minutes. It remains to be seen if Martinelli will be out for the Gunners’ next game, though given it was an impact injury, it should stand more chance of being positive – than negative.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez is clearly still taking a close look at Arsenal and he posted a touching message on Instagram, as did Gunners winger Nelson – with both clearly understanding Martinelli’s frustration at picking up another knock.