Mikel Arteta has ruled Gabriel Martinelli out of Arsenal’s trip to Turf Moor, confirming the Brazilian has not recovered from the groin problem sustained in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
William Saliba, meanwhile, remains a doubt after being forced off at half-time in the same match.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal scores his team's first goal as Jason Steele of Brighton & Hove Albion fails to make a save during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
“Martinelli is still out. Saliba, we have to wait and see,” Arteta said on Friday, offering few details but suggesting neither issue is long term.
The forward limped through the last few minutes against Palace after coming on as a substitute and was clearly having trouble with his groin, while Saliba, who was replaced by Cristhian Mosquera, is reportedly having problems with the ankle he had issues with earlier in the season.
Asked about Martinelli’s return, Arteta added: “No, we don’t know yet, but I think this game is going to come too early for him.”
Arsenal’s injury list remains substantial, though that may not be the case for much longer.
Kai Havertz training at Arsenal's London Colney training centre (Photo via Havertz on Instagram)
Photo via Havertz on Instagram
Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke, all recovering from knee problems and are targeting returns after the international break. Simon Collings reports that the club hope all three will be back in time for the North London derby.
Gabriel Jesus, sidelined since undergoing ACL surgery at the start of the year, is in the final phase of his rehabilitation and expected to rejoin full training in December.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal reacts during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 18, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Despite the absences, Arsenal are top of the Premier League table with 22 points from nine games, unbeaten in 11 visits to Turf Moor. Their last defeat there came more than half a century ago, in December 1973.
Burnley, by contrast, will be without Zeki Amdouni, Connor Roberts and Jordan Beyer, all of whom remain out with long-term injuries.
Head coach Scott Parker admitted the setbacks were significant, but backed his side to make life difficult for the Gunners. “We’re at home and our stadium has been a fortress for us,” he said. “We’ve made Turf Moor a really tough place for teams to come and play, and the fans have played a massive part in that. We need to make it exactly like that again this weekend.”
Parker dismissed suggestions that Arsenal’s success is overly reliant on set pieces, insisting that Arteta’s side are one of the best-drilled in Europe. “You can’t say they just totally rely on set-plays,” he said. “They’ve had key moments so far this season where they’ve got wins from set-pieces, but they’re an exceptional, well-oiled machine. They’re just an overall top, top side.”
Arsenal travel to Lancashire looking to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions, with the focus on maintaining momentum heading into a demanding winter schedule.
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