REVEALED: Mikel Arteta Explains Gabriel Martinelli early substitution in Crystal Palace win

Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Tuesday night, but the celebration at the Emirates came with a fresh sense of concern after Gabriel Martinelli was forced off injured during a tense quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace.

The Gunners eventually progressed after a dramatic penalty shoot-out, with Kepa Arrizabalaga emerging as the unlikely hero. However, manager Mikel Arteta admitted after the match that Martinelli’s injury could not be ignored, describing the Brazilian winger’s withdrawal as unavoidable.

Martinelli injury raises new concern for Arteta

Martinelli was substituted just before the hour mark, making way for Leandro Trossard as Arsenal searched for control in a match that refused to settle. Speaking after the game to Skysport, Arteta confirmed the change was not tactical.

“He could not carry on so what we had to make the sub,” the Arsenal boss said.

While Arteta did not provide further details on the nature or severity of the problem, the early signs are worrying. Martinelli has been a key figure for Arsenal this season, offering pace, directness and goals from the left flank. Any extended absence would be a blow, especially with a busy run of fixtures ahead and the semi-final tie against Chelsea now confirmed.

Arsenal fans will be hoping it is only a minor issue, but Arteta’s blunt assessment suggested the player was unable to continue, rather than simply being taken off as a precaution.

Late drama sends tie to penalties

Despite the injury setback, Arsenal did enough to keep their Carabao Cup hopes alive. They appeared to be heading for a narrow win after Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix turned the ball into his own net, giving the hosts a deserved lead.

However, as has happened too often in recent weeks, Arsenal failed to fully close out the game. Palace captain Marc Guehi struck late on to force the match into penalties, punishing the Gunners for not taking their chances earlier.

Arteta acknowledged that his side should have made the result more comfortable.

“We played against a team that is very hard to generate chances,” he said. “We generated a lot and should have had more goals.

“When you don’t close the game, it can always happen.”

Despite Palace’s late surge, Arteta was pleased with Arsenal’s overall display and mentality.

“In the second half they were more aggressive but overall, it’s another victory and I’m very happy,” he added.

Kepa seizes rare chance to shine

The shoot-out belonged to Kepa Arrizabalaga. The goalkeeper, who has spent most of the season behind David Raya in the pecking order, was handed a rare opportunity and made it count.

After both teams converted their first seven penalties, Kepa produced a crucial save from Lacroix to send Arsenal through. It was a moment of redemption for the Spanish goalkeeper, who twice finished as a runner-up in the competition during his time at Chelsea.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Kepa admitted Arsenal must improve their game management but was proud of the team’s composure under pressure.

“I think we play so well and then they changed, they adapt a little bit,” he said. “It’s something we have to improve, we have been conceding in the last minute.”

On the decisive moment, he added: “You have to keep your cool, be focused and don’t lose your focus.”

For a goalkeeper short on minutes, it was the perfect way to remind everyone of his quality.

Saliba steps up after injury return

William Saliba scored the decisive penalty to seal Arsenal’s place in the last four, capping an encouraging night for the defender. The France international was making only his third appearance since returning from injury and looked sharp despite one costly mistake during open play.

“It was a tough game against a top team,” Saliba said. “We did well. Apart from my mistake, we played well.”

Saliba also made it clear that Arsenal are determined to learn from last season’s disappointment, when they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup semi-finals by Newcastle.

“We are so happy to be in the semi-final,” he said. “We have to learn the lesson from last season. At the end, Kepa saved us. We want to win both games and go into the final.”

Focus turns to Chelsea and fitness worries

Arsenal will now face Chelsea over two legs for a place at Wembley, a tie that promises intensity and drama. But before Arteta can fully turn his attention to that challenge, the fitness of Martinelli will be closely monitored.

With Arsenal already managing several players returning from injury, another setback would test the squad’s depth. Martinelli’s energy and direct threat are difficult to replace, especially in high-pressure knockout games.

For now, Arsenal can take confidence from their resilience, their composure in penalties, and the emergence of players like Kepa when needed. Yet the concern over Martinelli serves as a reminder that success often comes with a cost.

As Arteta looks ahead to the semi-final and the wider season, keeping his key players fit may prove just as important as tactical decisions on the pitch.