Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has declared himself fit and ready to face Slavia Prague on Thursday.
Martinelli has had to be patient for appearances this season despite impressing in short bursts and watching his teammates struggled in what has been an under-par season so far.
But on Sunday night, he was handed his first Premier League start since late January as the Gunners saw off strugglers Sheffield United with a 3-0 win.
The winger did not disappoint either, scoring in the win over the Blades, his first goal of the season in what was his 13th appearance across all competitions.
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After playing 83 minutes against the Blades before coming off for Mohamed Elneny, there may have been questions over whether Martinelli will be able to play on Thursday night when Arsenal face Slavia Prague in their Europa League quarter-finals second leg.
But the 19-year-old has already declared himself fit, telling the official website: “I am feeling a bit tired but I’m so happy with the goal and even happier with the victory and the three points.
“I work every single day in training, you need to prepare yourself because when Mikel [Arteta] needs you, you need to be there to play and show something.”
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Asked about whether he had an injury, he replied: “No, I am alright to play on Thursday.
That will be music to the ears of Arsenal fans, many of whom have been calling for Martinelli to feature more amid the Gunners’ struggles this season.
Mikel Arteta has largely kept faith with the likes of Willian and Alexandre Lacazette, leaving Martinelli with little game time, but many Arsenal fans believe the 19-year-old is more than ready to play a bigger part.