Martinelli and Saka nearing return as Arsenal battle injury crisis

By SABC Sport
18th February 2025

Arsenal fans have reason for optimism as star wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are expected to return to action by April 1, according to reports.

With only six matches before their anticipated comeback, Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side can stay in the Premier League title race despite ongoing injury struggles.

Martinelli and Saka have been crucial to Arsenal's success in recent seasons, playing key roles in back-to-back second-place finishes.

Saka, in particular, has been one of the Premier League's standout performers this season, contributing nine goals and 13 assists in 24 games.

His market value is estimated at 125 million pounds, reflecting his importance to Arteta's squad.

Martinelli, now 23, has registered seven goals and four assists this campaign, though his value has dipped to 45 million pounds from 70 million in late 2023.

Arsenal's title hopes are under threat, as they currently sit second in the league, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

Compounding their problems, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have suffered season-ending injuries, leaving the Gunners short of attacking options.

Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, and Raheem Sterling are the only available forwards until Martinelli and Saka return.

Despite not signing a striker in the January transfer window, Arteta remains confident in his squad's ability to cope.

"Certainly it is a big blow because of the injuries that we have but fortunately, we've been through a lot this season.

"We have played without Gabriel, without Saliba, Ben White all season, Tomiyasu all season, Calafiori for two months, Merino for two months, Martin Odegaard for two months, Bukayo Saka for three months, Gabriel JesusÃ¢¦ all of them.

"That's the challenge ahead. I love it and look forward because we are still where we are with all the things I mentioned on top of playing four times with 10 men.

"Let's see what the team is made of. We've been through a lot and we have sustained the level of performance and results until this point, so we are more than capable of doing it."