Arteta backs Martinelli to thrive in ‘bigger role’ at Arsenal after Saka injury

Manager plays down claims Arsenal could buy in January despite star winger being ruled out for ‘many weeks’ after injury at Crystal Palace

COUNTING ON YOU: Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta, front left, and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli celebrate at the end of the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk, at the Emirates Stadium in London, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. Pic: AP Photo/Ian Walton

Mikel Arteta is hoping Gabriel ­Martinelli can help to fill the void created by Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury, with the England forward likely to miss key fixtures including the north London derby next month.

Arteta confirmed on Monday that Saka was expected to be absent for “many weeks” after tearing a hamstring during the first half of Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace. That would rule him out of Premier League ­fixtures including Arsenal’s game with Totten­ham on 15 January, the ­Carabao Cup semi‑final first leg against Newcastle and an FA Cup third‑round tie with Manchester United.