Gabriel Martinelli was substituted halfway through Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final with Manchester City after receiving a hard blow to the left leg.
The Brazilian was making his first start since recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for most of last season.
Just before half-time he fell into some pain after receiving a late tackle from City goalkeeper Zack Steffen, immediately screaming and pulling his shirt over his head. He was treated for several minutes, but after limping he managed to join the fray.
However, after being involved in another challenge early in the second half, he fell again with Nicolas Pepe replacing him in the 49th minute. Martinelli at least left the playing field under his own weight and didn’t disappear into the tunnel for further treatment, suggesting the injury shouldn’t be that bad.
His absence would be a blow to the Gunners, because before he was taken out he had played well. Martinelli looked sharp both on and off the ball and even provided the assist for Arsenal’s equalizer. Taking a promising position on the left side, he swung into a large cross which was converted by Alexandre Lacazette.
The goal leveled things after City took the lead in two minutes thanks to Gabriel Jesus. The goal featured terrible defensive confusion involving Shkodran Mustafi, Gabriel and runar substitute goalkeeper Alex Runarsson.
Arsenal’s stopper would make another mistake for City’s second goal when he let Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick wiggle in his hands. The visitors then went 3-1 thanks to Phil Foden, who produced a nice finish just before the hour.
