Gabriel Martinelli could be frozen out at Arsenal amid ‘perilous’ teammate verdict – Campbell
Gabriel Martinelli may face an extended period on the Arsenal bench, according to Kevin Campbell.
The former Highbury favourite, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Emile Smith Rowe is undroppable after his performance against Brentford.
Martinelli, 20, was suspended for Arsenal’s 2-1 win over the Bees on Saturday after receiving two yellows against Wolves a week earlier.
Smith Rowe replaced the Brazilian in the starting XI and scored to cap off an impressive all-round performance.
Mikel Arteta’s side welcome Wolves to the Emirates on Thursday night and Martinelli will once again be available.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs if Martinelli should start, Campbell said: “Smith Rowe will keep his place, 100 per cent.
“He was been patient, calm and waited for his chance. When he wasn’t in the team he came off the bench and scored. He got his chance and he has taken it.
“That goal was him in a nutshell. That is the quality he possesses. He picks up the ball, drives at the defenders and gets Arsenal up and running. It was brilliant.
“Smith Rowe is a wonderful young player. He has produced the goods and drop him at your peril.
“Martinelli may have to sit on the bench for a few games because the team performed, especially in the second half.”
Martinelli has contributed four goals and three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this season.
Smith Rowe has 10 goals and two assists to his name in 25 games.
In other news, a pundit has named two ‘next level’ replacements for Granit Xhaka after an update on the midfielder potentially joining AS Roma.