Exclusive: The Gunners manager, Mikel Arteta, is clear in his views of the Brazil winger and his future at the Emirates Stadium as he recovers from his hamstring injury

Mikel Arteta told tough decision is imminent as Arsenal eye Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli returns - Arsenal hope to have Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back for a potential Champions League q

Martinelli, another integral part of Arsenal’s forward line, picked up a hamstring injury in last month’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle. The Brazilian’s explosive pace and direct approach make him a nightmare for defenders, and his absence has been yet another blow to Arteta’s plans.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he hopes to have wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back from injury when they host Fulham on April 1.

Arteta recently confirmed Saka wouldn’t return before the March international break, meaning he is set to miss both legs of the PSV clash. Gabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury during the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat at Newcastle last month.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been forced to do without a host of his key attacking players in recent weeks but there may finally be some light at the end of the tunnel

Mikel Arteta has ruled Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli out until April, meaning Arsenal will enter the Champions League last 16 without any of their first-choice front four. Saka has been missing since undergoing hamstring surgery in December and Martinelli has been absent since the start of February.

Arteta hopes Martinelli and Saka can return after the international break when Arsenal host Fulham on April 1. The Gunners are not in the FA Cup, meaning they have a clear weekend when players return from international duty before taking on Fulham midweek.

Mikel Arteta’s squad has been hampered by injuries to key players, and the latest updates will do little to lift spirits at the Emirates. With both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sidelined, Arsenal’s attacking options are looking increasingly stretched ahead of their crucial round of 16 ties.

Mikel Arteta has just potentially seen the dream scenario emerge despite the fact Arsenal's 2024/25 season looked likely to end with a whimper. Ahead of their Champions League last-16 first leg away at PSV on Tuesday,