Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has cautioned that Gabriel Martinelli’s lack of playing time could evolve into a significant issue for Mikel Arteta if not managed appropriately.
Martinelli emerged as the hero for Arsenal on Sunday, coming off the bench to score a 93rd-minute equaliser against Manchester City. However, the Brazilian has seen his playing time diminish and is now considered a substitute when the squad is at full strength.
In a conversation with Premier League Productions, Adebayor expressed that unless Martinelli secures a place in the starting XI, he may soon become a disruptive presence within the squad and could ultimately leave the club.
“I believe man management is crucial in this situation; you need to communicate with all players to keep them content, even those sitting on the bench,” he said.
“When I was on the bench at Arsenal, I had Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Robin van Persie ahead of me, which was challenging, and I often found myself in Wenger’s office saying, ‘I’m here to play, I need to play.’
“This is where a manager needs to diffuse potential issues. Arteta hasn’t faced such challenges yet, and I think this is the right year for him to do so.
“We all have our individual ambitions, but ultimately, we must contribute to the team. It’s difficult if you’re sitting on the bench. I think we might lose Martinelli in a few weeks if he remains sidelined, as frustration will set in and affect his performance in training.”
