Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli will definitely miss Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Burnley this weekend, while William Saliba remains a doubt to feature. The news comes at a time when Arsenal sit atop the table and are eager to maintain their strong form.
Arsenal travel to Turf Moor looking to build on a sensational October that saw them go undefeated across all competitions while keeping six consecutive clean sheets. However, the absence of Martinelli and the uncertainty over Saliba’s fitness pose questions for Arteta’s selection ahead of the clash.
Martinelli, the Brazilian winger, limped off in the 1–0 win against Crystal Palace with what is understood to be a thigh problem, and he missed the midweek League Cup win over Brighton. In his Friday press conference, Arteta said plainly: “I think we have the same ones. Martinelli still out, Saliba we have to wait and see. The rest are getting closer, but not ready yet.”
When asked for more detail on the winger’s recovery timeline, Arteta added: “We don’t know yet, but this game comes too early for him.” That indicates Martinelli is likely sidelined for at least this match, and perhaps beyond.
Saliba, by contrast, is more of a question mark. The French centre-half was substituted at half-time against Crystal Palace due to an ankle issue and also missed the Brighton game. Arteta stressed that Saliba’s fitness would be assessed after another training session, saying: “Saliba we have to wait and see … we have another training session this afternoon.”
The timing of these absences is especially challenging for Arsenal. With Martinelli unavailable and Saliba potentially missing, the squad depth will again be tested.
Arteta highlighted the importance of maintaining urgency and focus despite the fixture congestion and injury list, explaining: “Yes, we have to keep the foot on the gas and maintain the level of urgency. The concentration, the focus, the ambition we are showing in every game, and every game brings different challenges.”
Arsenal’s run from January to October has been remarkable. They currently lead the Premier League with 22 points from nine games, four clear of second place, and have kept a spotless defensive record in October across the league, Champions League, and League Cup fixtures.
But this upcoming game at Burnley presents a unique obstacle. Burnley are known for being tough at home and are currently 16th in the league. Arteta noted: “The game against Burnley is going to be really tough. They are extremely well coached and Scott has done really well with the club.”
The absence of Martinelli affects Arsenal’s attacking dynamic significantly. His pace, directness, and goal threat from wide positions have been key this season.
On the defensive side, Saliba’s presence has been central to Arsenal’s solidity, without him, Arteta will likely rely on alternative combinations such as Jakub Kiwior or Ben White shifting centrally.
It is also noteworthy that despite injuries to major players such as Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Martin Ødegaard, Arteta remains confident about several returns after the international break. He said: “I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully. We have the international break, but after that we hope to have some of them back. The huge boost that is going to be for the squad to have those players again, after such a long, long time, so really happy that I think it is going to be very soon.”