Gabriel Martinelli returns to Arsenal training

Fresh off winning a gold medal with Brazil at the Tokyo Olympics, Gabriel Martinelli has returned to Arsenal training. I half expected him to get / take a bit of time off since he’s been with the national team since early July. Then again, he had from the end of the season through the end of June for a break, which is about as long as players are required to have as per their contracts.

In the video on Arsenal.com, Martinelli trained individually with one of the assistant coaches, doing some agility and light ball work. I’d expect him to return to training with the squad in a few days. I doubt he’ll be available for the Brentford match, but he should be good to go beyond that.

Martinelli’s return to London Colney means that Lucas Torreira is the only first-teamer not with the squad. Gabriel Magalhaes was also back at the training ground this morning, continuing to rehab from the “nothing serious” knee problem that kept him out of the Olympics. I’m glad that the pair are back so soon and that there seems to be a commitment to getting off and running at Arsenal this season (see e.g. Kieran Tierney returning to preseason training early). Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it certainly can’t be a bad thing that guys are back with the squad quickly.

I think that Martinelli is going to have a big season. And boy, do Arsenal need it. The attack has been anemic in the preseason, and Martinelli’s pace, workrate, and finishing ability could be the shot in the arm the offense needs. I expect him to pick up where he left off when a knee injury sidelined him for several months. Last season is a throwaway in my mind; he spent half the season out and the other half working back into playing shape and form. Before the injury, he was having a breakout season and had scored some big goals in the Premier League. The Gunners could really do with that player, and I see no reason (other then a potential lack of minutes) that he won’t be that guy this year. I’m excited.