Bukayo Saka & Gabriel Martinelli Edge Closer to Injury Return
Arsenal fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, two of the club’s most influential wingers. Both players have been sidelined due to hamstring injuries, leaving the Gunners without their preferred attacking options at a crucial stage of the season. However, there is optimism within the club that they could be back in action well before the campaign’s conclusion.
Saka’s Long Road to Recovery
Bukayo Saka has been out of action since December 2024 after suffering a hamstring injury that required surgery. The talented English winger has not featured in any matches in 2025, and his absence has been deeply felt. Arsenal’s medical staff have been carefully managing his rehabilitation, ensuring that he returns in peak condition without risking a setback.
Gabriel Martinelli’s Fresh Injury Setback
Just as Arsenal were adjusting to life without Saka, they were dealt another blow when Gabriel Martinelli sustained his own hamstring problem. The Brazilian winger picked up the injury during the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United earlier this month. His pace, dribbling ability, and goal threat have been missed, further compounding Arsenal’s attacking struggles.
Arsenal Target March International Break for Returns
While neither player is expected to return immediately, reports from the Daily Mirror suggest that Arsenal are targeting the March international break as the ideal moment for their reintegration. The Gunners play their final match before the break against Chelsea on 16 March, meaning that if all goes well, Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could return for the Fulham clash on 1 April.
This timeline would ensure that both stars are back in time for the final stretch of the season, which includes nine Premier League matches and a potential Champions League quarter-final appearance. Given that Arsenal are chasing Premier League glory and aiming for a deep European run, their return could prove to be a game-changer.
Arsenal’s Attacking Woes in Their Absence
With Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sidelined, Arsenal’s attack has looked considerably weaker. The issue was further exacerbated by the long-term injury suffered by Kai Havertz, ruling him out for the rest of the season. The lack of attacking options was evident in Arsenal’s recent clash against Leicester City, where they struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Manager Mikel Arteta was forced to hand a rare start to loanee Raheem Sterling, but the former Manchester City and Chelsea winger failed to make an impact. Leandro Trossard was deployed in an unfamiliar number nine role, but Arsenal’s frontline lacked fluidity. Sterling was eventually substituted in the second half, prompting a tactical reshuffle that saw midfielder Mikel Merino deployed as a makeshift striker.
Merino’s Heroics Keep Arsenal’s Title Hopes Alive
In a surprising twist, Merino’s unconventional role paid off, as the Spanish midfielder scored twice in the dying minutes to secure a 2-0 victory. The result ensured that Arsenal remained within touching distance of Premier League leaders Liverpool, keeping their title aspirations alive.
While Arsenal managed to scrape through against Leicester, they cannot afford to rely on last-minute miracles moving forward. The return of Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will significantly bolster their attacking options, providing much-needed width, creativity, and goal-scoring threat.
The Final Stretch: Arsenal’s Crucial Run-In
If Arsenal can navigate the next few weeks successfully and reintegrate Saka and Gabriel Martinelli without complications, they will have a strong squad for the final stretch of the season. With crucial matches on the horizon in both the Premier League and Champions League, their return could make all the difference.
For now, Arsenal fans will keep their fingers crossed, hoping that their two star wingers will be ready to make a triumphant return in April. If they do, the Gunners could be well on their way to challenging for silverware in multiple competitions.
