Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli was substituted early against Everton on Sunday after picking up a muscular problem.

The Brazil international has had another impressive start to the Premier League campaign, and he almost scored the opening goal at Goodison Park.

Martinelli found the net after a precise through ball from Fabio Vieira, but the goal was chalked off due to Eddie Nketiah being offside in the lead-up.

During the VAR review, the 22-year-old was spotted complaining over a muscular issue and he was soon replaced by Leandro Trossard in the 24th minute.

Trossard took some time to warm up to the occasion, but the Belgian eventually made the difference with a sublime left-footed winner in the 69th minute.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said that Martinelli sustained the injury during the ‘action for the run on the goal’ and added that he will be assessed.

He felt it after the action for the run on the goal, and normally he’s not one of the players to have muscular issues, but he had to come off, so let’s see.”

Martinelli has been an undisputed starter for the Gunners on the left wing over the past 18 months.

There were questions over his starting role at the beginning of the campaign amid Trossard’s pre-season form, but Arteta continued to keep his faith in him.

The Brazilian has registered two assists this season and was unfortunate not to score at Everton.

Martinelli, who is currently valued at €80 million by Transfermarkt, will now be assessed for a muscular injury and could be doubtful for the midweek game.

He may have to wait longer for his Champions League debut if there is any concern.

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Mikel Arteta has come under fire from celebrity Arsenal fan Piers Morgan despite guiding the Gunners to their fourth win of the season in Sunday’s trip to Everton.

Piers Morgan has slammed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for ‘humiliating’ Aaron Ramsdale by dropping him for the win over Everton.

Loanee David Raya instead started in goal, keeping a clean sheet as the Gunners secured their fourth win of the season. It was the news that Ramsdale had been benched that drew most of the attention before the game, with Raya coming in for his first appearance for Arsenal.

That was a decision Morgan vehemently disagreed with, with Ramsdale having been number one through all of last season.

And the broadcaster has expressed his anger at Arteta for taking the England international out of the team in favour of Raya.

“I don’t understand what Ramsdale has done to deserve being dropped? Havertz, yes.. but Ramsdale’s been consistently superb for us.

Why humiliate him? I don’t believe in having 2 top ‘keepers with neither knowing who’s No1,” he tweeted.

“Nothing against Raya, who is very good, but don’t like the way Ramsdale’s being treated.

Has any team ever won the League by rotating 2 top goalkeepers? I have no idea, but I doubt it.”

Arteta was defensive of his decision to bench Ramsdale after the win, with his gamble paying off.

He insisted that the level of quality of Ramsdale and Raya meant that both will be handed significant game-time this season