However, the Arsenal boss said at his pre-match press conference – as per BBC Sport – that the forward “has felt better in the last few days”.
Arteta then said ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Newcastle: “He will train today and if he’s fine he will be ready.”
Since then, the Arsenal website shared images of their players in training ahead of the match at St James’ Park, and Martinelli features prominently in several pictures.
On the Gunners website, one picture shows him tussling with Mohamed Elneny over the ball.
Others show Martinelli alongside Bukayo Saka and Fabio Vieira respectively, and one shows him hugging the Portuguese talent.
All in all, Martinelli looks absolutely fine. Obviously it’s not guaranteed but, judging by the photos, he should be okay to play, and perhaps even start.
This is good news for Arsenal, as the £180,000-a-week ace (Spotrac) will be key to unlocking the Newcastle defence.
With Bukayo Saka on the other flank, they have the power and pace to cause some real damage.Other Arsenal injury news ahead of Newcastle clash
In terms of other injuries and doubts, Martin Odegaard also had a “little issue”.
He, like Martinelli, now feels better after his workload was lessened, Arteta told the Arsenal media team.
However, Emile Smith Rowe is now on the sidelines and could be out for a few weeks.
Speaking about the player’s absence in midweek, Arteta confirmed that the Arsenal player felt something in his knee and started to feel pain after the Blades game.
“We are assessing him but a bit worried with him,” the Gunners boss added, in conversation with Sky Sports, as per 90Min.
And ahead of the game, Arteta told the Arsenal media team: “Nothing has changed, as I said I think he will be out for weeks.
“How many will determine in relation to how he progresses in the first few weeks especially.”
Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey remain sidelined, along with long-term absentee Jurrien Timber.
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