Arsenal have confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli is not expected to return to training until the end of 2020 following a serious knee injury.
Martinelli has impressed since signing for Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano last summer, scoring 10 goals in 26 appearances for the Gunners this season.
However, the 19-year-old forward suffered an injury to his left knee on June 21, ruling him out for the rest of the 2019/20 campaign.
Martinelli underwent a successful operation to repair a lesion in the cartilage of his knee, and is currently recovering - but Mikel Arteta is unlikely to be able to call upon the forward until late in the year, or possibly early 2021.
An Arsenal statement on Martienelli read: "Currently recovering in a knee brace after his operation, which took place during the last week of June.
"Surgery was successful, with consultants and our medical team very encouraged with Gabi’s current progress at this stage of his recovery.
"Currently at our training centre every day receiving specialist attention and support from our medical team.
"Will continue his recovery throughout the close season, with the aim of a return to full training by the end of 2020."
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