Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli faces more than a month out after suffering a hamstring injury during his side’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle on Wednesday.
Arsenal are already without striker Gabriel Jesus for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury, while winger Bukayo Saka is not expected to return from his hamstring problem until mid-March at the earliest.
The club were unsuccessful in their attempts to sign a new forward in January and only have Kai Havertz as a recognised striker.
Sky Sports News reported a bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was rejected while there was also interest in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Mathys Tel.
“We are going to have to be flexible in the front line,” Arteta said before their cup defeat to Newcastle. “Those who are fit, we need to make sure they stay fit.
“Leo [Trossard], Ethan [Nwaneri], [Gabriel] Martinelli, Raheem [Sterling] can play in that position. Let’s see in relation to how everybody is, moment and opponent. But at some point, we’re going to have to try something different.”
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Arteta had admitted he was “disappointed” with his side’s lack of action in the transfer window.
“We had a clear intention which is always: the window is open to explore the opportunity improve the squad with players who can do that. We haven’t achieved it,” he said in a press conference.
“We are disappointed in that sense but we are very aware we want to bring in a certain kind of player, we have to be very disciplined in that. I think that we were.”
Martinelli, who has travelled with the rest of the Arsenal squad to their warm-weather training camp in Dubai, could potentially miss crucial Premier League fixtures against Leicester City, West Ham and Nottingham Forest in February.
The 23-year-old would also be a doubt for games against Manchester United and Chelsea – both live on Sky Sports – the following month, as well as Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 tie due to be held at the start of March.
Martinelli was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri in the 37th minute at St James’ Park after holding the back of his thigh.
Arsenal are second in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand.
Martinelli limps off after injuring his hamstring against Newcastle
The Gunners flew out to Dubai on Thursday with Mikel Arteta and his staff overseeing their first training session on Friday.
Saka and Martinelli travelled with the group but were not pictured in training although Ben White was involved on his return from knee surgery.
Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures
Saturday February 15: Leicester vs Arsenal – Premier League, kick-off 12.30pm
Saturday February 22: Arsenal vs West Ham – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
Wednesday February 26: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Premier League, kick-off 7.30pm
Sunday March 9: Manchester United vs Arsenal – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports
Sunday March 16: Arsenal vs Chelsea – Premier League, kick-off 3pm, live on Sky Sports
