'Game Comes Too Soon For...': Arsenal Gaffer Arteta Confirms Martinelli, Saliba Absence For Turf Moor Trip

Last Updated:October 31, 2025, 18:41 IST

Table-toppers Arsenal, who have 22 points in the ongoing campaign, look to continued their run of form when they take on Burnley, who are 16th in the league table with 10 points.

Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta. (AP Photo)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli will miss the Gunners’ upcoming Premier League trip to Burnley due to injury, with French stopperback William Saliba still a doubt for the clash at Turf Moor.

“We have the same players out. Martinelli is still unavailable, and we have to wait and see about Saliba. The rest are getting closer but are not ready yet," the Spanish tactician said.

“We don’t know yet when Martinelli will return, but this game comes too soon for him," he added.

Martinelli limped off the pitch after Arsenal’s 1-0 PL victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, while Saliba was substituted at halftime at the Emirates Stadium. Both players were absent from Wednesday’s League Cup fourth-round 2-0 win against Brighton and Hove Albion.

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

“I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully. We have the international break, but after that, we hope to have some of them back," Arteta said.

“I’m excited because they are tremendous players. I see them work every single day, how desperate they are to be part of the team.

“It will be a huge boost for the squad to have those players back after such a long time, so I’m really happy that I think it’s going to be very soon."

Table-toppers Arsenal, who have amassed 22 points in the ongoing campaign, look to continued their run of form when they take on Burnley, who are 16th in the league table with 10 points.

Their impeccable October included PL wins over West Ham United, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, alongside triumphs against Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and a League Cup win against Brighton.

Arteta’s men currently sit atop the Premier League standings with 22 points from nine matches, four points clear of second-placed Bournemouth.

“Yes, we need to keep the foot on the gas and maintain the level of urgency. The concentration, the focus, the ambition we are showing in every game, and every game brings different challenges," Arteta added.

“Sometimes we have to be very patient, and other times we need a different approach.

“The game against Burnley is going to be really tough. They are extremely well-coached, and Scott Parker has done really well with the club," he signed off.

News sports 'Game Comes Too Soon For...': Arsenal Gaffer Arteta Confirms Martinelli, Saliba Absence For Turf Moor Trip

Read More