Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - August 31, 2022, Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring.
Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell is ‘happy’ that Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli hasn’t been chosen to represent Brazil for their upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The Lowdown: Martinelli’s squad omission
The 21-year-old first joined the Gunners back in 2019, but has really come into his own during the opening six games of the new Premier League season, with his performances deserving of an international call-up.
However, The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the attacker has been left out of Tite’s squad to face Ghana and Tunisia later this month, alongside teammates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Latest: Campbell’s positive reaction
Asked by Football Insider for his reaction to the shock news, Campbell insisted that Martinelli not linking up with Brazil will benefit his performances with Arsenal.
“I think Martinelli for me is certain to go to the World Cup, I really do.
“Look at the way he has started the season. Martinelli has really played his way into the reckoning. He is adding goals to his game.
“Tite knows what he has got in the locker.
“I am happy because he can put his feet up. He can rest up and not have to travel all of those miles to play in a couple of friendlies.
“At the back end of last season Martinelli would come back and he was knackered. It hurt us. I will not complain if they are resting up for the games that are ahead.”
The Verdict: Boost for Arteta
Arsenal have made the best possible start to the new campaign, currently sitting top of the table having won five of their six matches, and Martinelli has played a significant role in helping them get there.
The Gunners star already has three goals to his name and is averaging an outstanding 3.3 shots per game (WhoScored), highlighting the prolific impact he has in the final third.
Will Arsenal finish in the top four this season?
Yes
No
It will be a relief for Arteta to not have to worry about Martinelli picking up any injuries whilst away on duty, and there’s no doubt that he will have a massive part to play in where Arsenal end up come the end of the season.
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