Arsenal progressed to the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace, though the victory was tempered by a knee injury to Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals, but the win was marred by a fresh injury concern for Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian winger, who was Arsenal’s standout performer in the first half, suffered a knee knock following a collision with Jaydee Canvot.
Although he attempted to play through the pain after the interval, he was eventually forced off in the 59th minute.
Mikel Arteta offered a cautious update on the winger’s condition, downplaying fears of a long-term layoff while confirming he is a doubt for the upcoming match against Brighton.
“Gabriel Martinelli is more of a knock and he wasn’t comfortable to carry on after the second half,” Arteta explained.
The manager also noted a separate injury concern for defender Piero Hincapie, who was sidelined after picking up a problem in a previous fixture against Everton.
The match itself ended in dramatic fashion after Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as the hero in the shootout.
Following a 1-1 draw in regulation—featuring a Maxence Lacroix own goal and a late Marc Guehi equalizer—Kepa saved Lacroix’s decisive penalty to secure progress.
The victory sets up a high-stakes semi-final meeting with Chelsea, though Arteta remains focused on the fitness of his squad during the congested festive period.