“They are both out” – Mikel Arteta confirms 2 Arsenal stars will miss Nottingham Forest clash
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli and Oleksandr Zinchenko are out of their remaining two games of the season due to injury.
The Gunners are set to face Nottingham Forest away in the Premier League on Saturday (May 20). In a pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked about Martinelli and Zinchenko, to which he replied (via Sports Mole):
"They are both out for the rest of the season."
The Spaniard added:
"It's different. Gabi's is a pretty nasty injury. We need to assess next week how long he will be out for, but it will be weeks at least. With Alex, it's a calf issue. He won't be available to play in the next few games."
Martinelli, 21, suffered an injury during Arsenal's 3-0 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates in the Premier League on May 14. He was replaced after just 20 minutes, being on the end of a tackle by Moises Caicedo.
Martinelli has been a key player for the Gunners this season, contributing 15 goals and five assists in 36 Premier League games. Zinchenko, meanwhile, suffered an injury during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St. James' Park on May 7.
Since arriving from Manchester City last summer, he has contributed one goal and two assists in 27 league appearances. The Ukrainian fullback has had a number of injury issues this season, managing just 33 appearances across competitions.
Arsenal look to bounce back from Brighton defeat
A few weeks ago, Arsenal were in pole position to win the Premier League ahead of Manchester City. However, a run of just two wins in seven games has seen them fall behind in the title race.
The Gunners lost 3-0 against Brighton & Hove Albion at home in their previous game. The Seagulls were excellent, scoring through Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupinan. However, it was another disappointing performance from Mikel Arteta's side.
They now face a Nottingham Forest side, who have shown some fight in recent games. They have won two and drawn one of their last five games, moving above the relegation zone into 16th place.
The Tricky Trees played out a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their previous game. Raheem Sterling and Taiwo Awoniyi scored braces for their respective sides.
A win against Arsenal on Saturday could secure their Premier League place for the next season and they will surely be up for the fight. Defeat for the Gunners will also confirm Manchester City as champions.