Mikel Arteta gets Arsenal fitness boost ahead of clash with Southampton

Mikel Arteta was concerned he could be light in attack for the Premier League clash with Southampton, but the Arsenal manager has received a welcome injury update

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Mikel Arteta’s fears over Gabriel Martinelli have been allayed with the Brazilian youngster available to face Southampton at the Emirates this weekend.

Martinelli, 20, had been enjoying an encouraging run in the starting XI, scoring against Newcastle and assisting at Manchester United, when he suffered a suspected injury versus Everton.

The Arsenal ace went down clutching his thigh in the second half and there was some speculation over whether he was suffering with cramp or a more serious hamstring complaint.

Arteta offered a downbeat verdict on Martinelli’s condition after the match, saying: “I don’t know we will have to assess him. He felt something in his hamstring so I’m not very positive about it.”

However, the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist has been passed fit to face the Saints in what is a major boost for the Gunners.

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With lingering concerns over the poor form of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, there is every possibility Martinelli could make his third consecutive start in the Premier League.

Capable of lining up on either wing, the Brazil Under-23 star may flank Alexandre Lacazette, while Emile Smith Rowe could also return to the attack in a further boost.

The England playmaker has arguably been Arsenal’s player of the season so far with six goals and two assists in 16 appearances in all competitions, and he was sorely missed in the 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park on Monday.

Smith Rowe, 21, sustained a groin injury against United and Arteta was uncertain whether he would recover in time for the visit of the Saints.

“He was with pain and could not train or travel. We will see how he is,” said the Gunners manager on Monday. “It was a tight groin. Should be okay for next week I think.”

The latest update released on Arsenal’s official website suggests Smith Rowe is on the cusp of returning to full fitness and he may have the chance to rekindle his impressive form against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Another player battling to shake off injury in time for Saturday’s 3pm game is Bernd Leno, who has been suffering with a groin issue suffered in training last week.

Leno, 29, was not available to make the bench against Everton, with Arthur Okonkwo deputising for Aaron Ramsdale in his absence, and the German faces a late test to prove his fitness.

The only other player in the Arsenal physio room is Sead Kolasinac, who is training individually with a view to a return in January having suffered a serious ankle injury during November’s international break.