Mikel Arteta was already aware that Arsenal’s attack would require adjustment, but the manager may not have anticipated needing to make such changes so soon. Arsenal’s inability to secure a new forward in the January transfer window has left the Gunners with a depleted attacking force, made worse by Gabriel Martinelli’s recent hamstring injury during their 2-0 loss at Newcastle.
The injury occurred just after Arteta discussed the need to “try something different” with his frontline, and now that necessity has arrived faster than expected. Martinelli, who travelled to Dubai for warm-weather training, has since undergone a scan, and reports indicate he will be sidelined for at least a month. This leaves Arteta scrambling for attacking options, especially since Bukayo Saka won’t return until next month following his own hamstring injury, and Gabriel Jesus will miss the remainder of the season after knee surgery.
