Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points after a comfortable 4-0 win against Everton on Wednesday as they continue their title fight with Manchester City
Arsenal moved five points clear of reigning champions Manchester City in the Premier League title race after a strong 4-0 win against Everton on Wednesday night. Gabriel Martinelli continued his brilliant form of late as he bagged two goals, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard securing all three points for the Gunners.
In his press conference on Friday afternoon, the Arsenal boss said: “He’s not far now. I don’t want to give a timeline but he’s doing certain things with the team, certain things outside the team.
“He’s not very close but he is not far at all. He’s feeling better every day and the doctors are confident with the way the injury is evolving and we are in a good place with him I think.”
Despite Martinelli and Gabriel performing brilliantly this season, both players missed out on being selected in the latest Brazil squad ahead of the March international break. With Jesus still recovering from his injury, it comes as no surprise that the 25-year-old was not selected – but there is some confusion regarding why his fellow compatriots were not included.
This should not be seen as an issue from Arsenal and Arteta’s perspective though. It allows both Martinelli and Gabriel to stay at London Colney and continue training without having to deal with the effects of travel and potential injury risk that comes with international football involvement.
Tottenham forward Richarlison has been included in the Brazil squad despite struggling with injury since the World Cup and not being in the greatest of form when compared to Martinelli. Gabriel has missed out once again, with Real Madrid’s Eder Militao and Paris Saint-Germain star Marquinhos both being selected ahead of the Gunners defender.
Their exclusion from the Brazil squad will mean they stay with Arteta’s squad throughout the international break and will have the best preparation possible ahead of the final few weeks of the Premier League title race. The Gunners face Liverpool, Chelsea and City in the month of April, with all three games potentially deciding where the title could end up this season – giving Arteta a major boost by keeping hold of two key players for him as they aim to lift the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004.