Arsenal given Leno boost but lose Martinelli to injury

LONDON: Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s knee injury is not as bad as feared, but the Gunners suffered another blow on as Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli (pic) was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Leno suffered a ligament sprain rather than cruciate ligament damage in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton that the club confirmed would keep him out for four to six weeks.

The German is still expected to miss the rest of the campaign, but should be fit for the start of next season.

“At least we know the cruciate ligaments are not damaged. It was the biggest fear at the start,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

“He was more positive and in less pain today so that is good news.”

Martinelli, 19, has scored 10 goals in an impressive debut season. “We got really bad news again yesterday in training. In the last action he (Martinelli) got hit by another player, he damaged his knee.

“The doctor hasn’t seen the extent of the injury but it is not looking good at all.

“We don’t know (how long) but it is looking months.”

Arsenal’s return to action has been beset by injuries as Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari had to be replaced inside the first 20 minutes in a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City last week.

Meanwhile, defender David Luiz has agreed a new one-year contract with the club.

Defenders Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares will also join the club permanently at the end of their loan deals, from Flamengo and Southampton respectively.