ARSENAL have revealed that Gabriel Martinelli is out until the end of 2020 while Pablo Mari will play no further part this season.
Brazilian forward Martinelli picked up a knee injury in training last month, with the 19-year-old requiring surgery to repair a lesion in the cartilage of his left knee.
Signed from Brazilian minnows Ituano last summer, the teenager has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in world football thanks to a number of dazzling displays.
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He finished the season with ten goals in 26 games, while also chipping in with four assists in all competitions.
His fine form led him to being given a new long-term deal at the Emirates, with the player thanking fans for all their support this term.
But in a blow for supporters, they will have to wait at least five months to see him back on the pitch after the North Londoners provided an update on his fitness.
In a club statement, the Gunners said: “[Martinelli is] currently recovering in a knee brace after his operation, which took place during the last week of June.
“Surgery was successful, with consultants and our medical team very encouraged with Gabi’s current progress at this stage of his recovery.
“[He is] currently at our training centre every day receiving specialist attention and support from our medical tea and will continue his recovery throughout the close season, with the aim of a return to full training by the end of 2020.”
Mari meanwhile sprained ligaments in his left ankle in the first game back after the restart as he went off during the first half against Manchester City.
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Despite his injury woes, Arsenal saw enough of him during his short loan spell to turn his stay into a permanent transfer as they signed him from Flamengo for £14million.
The club have stated it will be two months before he is back in full training, as they stated: “[He is] now off crutches after surgery and moving freely without aid and has returned home to Spain for a short period, where he continues to receive specialist attention and extensive therapy.
“[He] will return to the UK later in July to resume his rehabilitation at our training centre throughout the close season, with the aim of returning to full training in September.”
