Mikel Arteta issues worrying injury update on Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his concern after Gabriel Martinelli twisted his ankle before the FA Cup third round tie against Newcastle United.

The Brazilian was chosen in the starting lineup for the game, but he was dropped from the matchday squad altogether after sustaining the injury in the warm-up session.

In his absence, the Gunners progressed to the next round with a 2-0 win, but they were made to work hard with Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang only scoring in the second half of added extra time.

Speaking after the game, Arteta revealed that Martinelli was in tears after the setback in the lead-up to the game and he is worried that the attacker may have sustained another significant injury.

"I am gutted. I went to the medical room and he was in tears. He was in a lot of pain and we're going to have to see how he is. It didn't look good. He was in pain so I imagine that we're not going to have good news with him," He told.

Arsenal have won their last five matches in all competitions. They are scheduled to host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Thursday night and a win could take them to the top half of the table.