Arsenal have announced that Gabriel Martinelli will not just miss the rest of the season but the rest of the calendar year as well.

Giving an update on both Martinelli and Pablo Mari, both of whom had surgery, Arsenal.com said of Martinelli’s injury, “Left knee. Sustained injury during training on June 21. Successful arthroscopic procedure undertaken to repair a lesion in the cartilage of the left knee.”

They then causally dropped in, “Will continue his recovery throughout the close season, with the aim of a return to full training by the end of 2020.”

They also added, that he is “Currently recovering in a knee brace after his operation, which took place during the last week of June,” and “Surgery was successful, with consultants and our medical team very encouraged with Gabi’s current progress at this stage of his recovery.

Martinelli is “Currently at our training centre every day receiving specialist attention and support from our medical team.”

In regards to Pablo Mari, he is recovering well and is expected to be back from a short break in Spain later this month.

Arsenal stated about Mari, “Left ankle. Sustained significant sprain to ankle ligaments during Manchester City (a) on June 17.

“Now off crutches after surgery and moving freely without aid. Has returned home to Spain for a short period, where he continues to receive specialist attention and extensive therapy

“Will return to the UK later in July to resume his rehabilitation at our training centre throughout the close season, with the aim of returning to full training in September.”

How much are Arsenal paying Gabriel Martinelli in his new contract?

The news about Martinelli is certainly a massive blow to both him and the team given his form and Mikel Arteta’s desire to build his own team that would no doubt feature the Brazilian regularly.

That being said, given Arsenal hadn’t announced a date for his return until now, many feared the news would not this bad.

Get all the latest Gabriel Martinelli news and updates right here