Why isn’t Gabriel Martinelli playing for Arsenal against Porto?

Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie against FC Porto.

The Portuguese side take a one-goal lead into Tuesday’s fixture after picking up a surprise victory in the first leg. Mikel Arteta’s side need to overcome a 1-0 first leg deficit if they are to keep their Champions League dreams alive, but look likely to be without a key attacking star.

Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli picked up a foot injury in a 6-0 victory over Sheffield United on March 4 and has not featured since. He was present in the stadium for last weekend’s 2-1 win over Brentford but was on crutches as he watched his team secure a late victory.

Arsenal - Porto: Follow the live action here!

Speaking on Monday Arteta refused to confirm Martinelli’s absence, saying: “We still have 24 hours and we’re trying to have everybody fit and available... Percentage you want? There are options. Sorry to disappoint you.”

However the extent of his injury was underlined on Tuesday when Martinelli formally withdrew from the Brazil squad for the upcoming March internationals.

When will Jurrien Timber play for Arsenal?

It seems like a long time ago now, but when Jurrien Timber joined Arsenal last summer he was heralded as a key signing for Arteta’s upwardly-mobile team. The Gunners paid a reported €40 million ($43.7m) for the 22-year-old fullback from Ajax.

However the Dutchman made just one Premier League appearance for Arsenal before suffering a cruciate ligament tear and he has not featured for the Gunners since the opening day of the 2023/24 campaign.

Timber will not be fit for the Champions League knock-out game against Porto but there is hope that he could make his return before the end of the season. He recently returned to training with his teammates and is reportedly progressing well as he continues his journey back to full fitness.

Related stories

PREMIER LEAGUE

Haaland situation unsettling Manchester City

PREMIER LEAGUE

What's ahead for Arsenal, Liverpool and City in title race?

Speaking last month Arteta was full of praise for Timber’s mentality throughout a difficult period in his young career.

The Arsenal boss said: “It’s been a joy. The physios and medical staff have been impressed with his attitude. Now we have to manage because it’s the last stage of that difficult injury but I think he’s in the right way.”