Gabriel Martinelli has emerged as a possible doubt for Brazil’s Copa America opener against Costa Rica after a video showed the Arsenal star hobbling out of training.
In a short clip shared by TNT Sports, Martinelli appears to come out second best while competing for a cross with Real Madrid defender Eder Militao.
Militao at first tries to help Martinelli to his feet before Brazil’s medical staff eventually manage to assist the 23-year-old forward off the field of play.
It’s clear from the footage that Martinelli was in some discomfort as he writhed around on the turf, with Gabriel Magalhaes looking on with concern for his Arsenal team-mate.
Brazil have endured a disappointing time since being knocked out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by Croatia at the quarter-final stage and Martinelli is viewed as a key player for the present and future in Dorival Junior’s squad.
Back in March, Martinelli was forced to withdraw from Brazil’s friendlies with England and Spain after suffering a foot injury during Arsenal’s 6-0 demolition of Sheffield United in the Premier League.
But the attacker finished the season strongly with the Gunners and was given the nod as Brazil unveiled his 26-man squad for this summer’s eagerly anticipated Copa America last month.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr are among the other high-profile names included in Junior’s party.
Gabriel Magalhaes made the cut on the back of an excellent campaign at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, but Gabriel Jesus missed out after a disappointing season in which he managed just four league goals for the Gunners.
Martinelli has been pushing for a starting place ahead of Brazil’s opening contest versus Copa America. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit and available for the clash at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium on June 25.
Brazil finished as runners-up to Argentina in the 2021 Copa America last time out, with Angel Di Maria scoring the only goal in a cagey final at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Martinelli said he had high hopes that Brazil would go one better after falling at the final hurdle last time out.
‘We have every chance of winning the Copa America,’ the Arsenal star told AS.
‘Everyone knows the weight of this shirt, we are the best team in the world. People know the quality of our players. We have a lot, a lot of quality. There are many young players coming in who have raised the level of our team.
