Arteta reveals the bad news Arsenal has received ahead of its final games

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the Gunners have received bad news ahead of their final two Premier League games. The Spanish coach revealed that Gabriel Martinelli and Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss the rest of the season due to injuries.

Martinelli, who has been outstanding for Arsenal this season, has scored 15 goals and made 5 assists in the Premier League. The Brazilian forward has been a key player for the Gunners, and his absence will be a big blow to their title hopes.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after Fabian Schaer of Newcastle United (not pictured) concedes an own goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Zinchenko, on the other hand, has been Arsenal’s main left back this season, scoring once and providing two assists in the league. The Ukrainian international’s injury means that Arsenal will have to rely on other players to fill in at left back for their remaining games.

Arsenal are currently second on the 2022/23 Premier League table with 81 points after 36 games, but are closely following first-placed Manchester City which has 85 points plus one game in hand. The Gunners are in a title race, and the absence of Martinelli and Zinchenko could be a major setback in their bid for the title.

Arteta expressed his disappointment at the news, saying as per Chris Wheatley“Gabi has a pretty nasty injury. At least weeks [out]. Alex (Zinchenko) has a calf issue and won’t be able to play our next games.” The manager did not reveal the exact nature of Martinelli’s injury, but it is likely to be a significant one given his absence for the rest of the season.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal, applauds the fans after the team’s defeat in the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Despite the setback, Arsenal will be hoping that their remaining players can step up and deliver in Martinelli and Zinchenko’s absence. The Gunners have a talented squad, and they will need everyone to contribute if they are to win the Premier League title this season.

Arsenal’s final two Premier League games are against Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton, and they will need to win both games and hope that Manchester City slip up in their remaining fixtures. It will be a tough ask for the Gunners, but they will be determined to give it their all and finish the season on a high note.