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Report: ‘Talent of the century’ set for return to action with U23 side later this month

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Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli is set to return to competitive action with the under-23s towards the end of December.

The Brazilian has been out of action since suffering a serious knee injury in training after the return of football back in June.

He subsequently underwent surgery and was originally ruled out for the remainder of 2020, however, returned to full training back in October.

Should Martinelli immediately return to the first XI when back from injury?

Yes

No

Given how poor the attack has been since the start of the season, a return to action for the 19-year-old is welcome news. The Gunners’ forward line look desperate for some energy and movement in the final third with the current options proving far too static. Mikel Arteta’s attackers have scored just 10 goals in 10 Premier League games, a stunning return given they have over £150m worth of talent in forward areas.

Martinelli’s energy and movement in the penalty box saw him score a stunning 10 goals in his debut season after joining from Ituano. He drew comparisons to the likes of Ronaldo Nazario from famed Brazilian Ronaldinho and was labelled the talent of the century by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been playing out of the left-flank for the majority of the campaign. His lack of end product and energy has seen him score just twice and assist just once in 10 appearances.

Martinelli would add natural width in his return to the side and allow the Gabon forward to take up a more central role. The £22.5m-rated young gun would also provide support to the club captain, who has been isolated in the last two games against Wolves and Leeds United.

Martinelli’s return comes at a crucial time for the former Manchester City coach. The players up front have got very stale and the arrival of the youngster would prove a massive boost for the rest of the season.

In other news, Arteta has revealed that this ace was subbed against his wishes last Sunday.

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