Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli appeared to sustain an injury while in training with the Brazilian national team.
Brazil are currently preparing for the upcoming Copa America, with the nation’s campaign kicking off against Costa Rica on June 25.
Gabriel Martinelli #22 of Brazil dribbles the ball during an an international friendly game between Brazil and USMNT (Photo by Jeremy Reper/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
However, footage from the Brazilian training camp was picked up by TNT Sports and showed Martinelli injured after a full-blooded clash with Porto defender Eder Militao.
Martinelli is a key part of the Brazil team with two goals in his last three starts for his country. He scored and started in a friendly against Mexico earlier this month and then made a cameo appearance from the bench in a friendly against the USA last week.
However, things took a shocking twist during the training process. Martinelli attacks a cross in the clip before being taken out by Militao.
The winger tumbles over the defender’s body and clatters onto the ground. Militao tries to help the 23-year-old back to his feet before walking away seconds later, seemingly nonchalant about any potential damage done to Martinelli.
Arsenal teammate and compatriot Gabriel Magalhães is soon on the scene and shows concern for the forward.
He waved his arm in frustration at a lack of medical treatment for the player. Martinelli then receives treatment on the turf before hobbling away from the session and falling to the ground on the sidelines.
Militao returns to give his teammate a small part of apology. This will serve as a huge blow for Brazil with the Arsenal man having missed March friendlies due to a foot injury.
Martinelli made 44 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season, scoring eight goals and picking up five assists.
