Arsenal team news: Martinelli ruled out, Saliba doubtful as Gunners look to maintain good form at Burnley

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli will miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Burnley due to injury while centre-back William Saliba remains a doubt, manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday, as his side look to extend their remarkable form.

Brazil international Martinelli limped off the pitch after Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, while Frenchman Saliba was substituted at half-time at the Emirates.

Both players were absent from Wednesday’s 2-0 victory in the fourth round of the League Cup over Brighton & Hove Albion.

«I think we have the same one. Martinelli is not out yet. Saliba, we have to wait and see. The rest are getting closer but not ready yet,» Arteta told reporters.

“We don’t know yet (Martinelli’s timeline for return), but this match comes too soon for him.”

Arteta expects long-term absentees including Martin Odegarard, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke to return soon.

«I would say weeks, and some of them quite quickly, hopefully. We have the international break, but after that we hope to have some back,» Arteta said.

«I’m excited because they are great players. I see them work every day and how desperate they are to be part of the team.»

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“The huge boost this will give to the squad and those players, after such a long, long time, are so happy that I think it will happen very soon.”

Arsenal are in impressive form and are the first English top-flight team to play at least six times in a month without conceding a goal.

Their flawless October included Premier League victories over West Ham United, Fulham and Crystal Palace, alongside victories against Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and a League Cup victory against Brighton.

Arteta’s men currently sit at the top of the Premier League table with 22 points from nine games, four points ahead of second-placed Bournemouth.

“Yes (keep your foot on the accelerator) and maintain the urgency,” Arteta said. “The concentration, the focus, the ambition that we show in every game, and every game brings different challenges.

“Sometimes we have to be very patient, and sometimes we have to have a different approach.

«The game against Burnley will be very tough. They are extremely well coached and Scott (Parker) has done very well with the club.»

Burnley is 16th in the table with 10 points.

Published on October 31, 2025