Arsenal vs Real Betis: Gabriel, Martinelli set for first starts

Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli could make their first appearances of the summer for Arsenal in the pre-season friendly against Real Betis.

The Brazilian pair were given a mandatory extended post-World Cup break after helping their national team reach the last-16, therefore missing the behind-closed-doors win over MK Dons on July 25.

They did link up with their Arsenal team-mates in Spain last week in preparation for the friendly against Girona, but were left out of the matchday squad entirely by manager Mikel Arteta.

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Likely to feature at Aviva Stadium

With a few more training sessions under their belts, both are likely to feature at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday evening as the Gunners' pre-season preparations continue.

Arteta was cautious with Piero Hincapie, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres in the win over Girona, withdrawing the trio after 30 minutes and could repeat the trick with Gabriel and Martinelli against Betis.

Ben White came through 60 minutes unscathed on his return from a knee injury, but could be rested due to that being his first appearance in three months. Youngster Marli Salmon is an option at right-back with Jurrien Timber doubtful.

Midfield options limited

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is due back this week after his post-World Cup holiday but is unlikely to be involved against Betis due to a lack of training, therefore Ethan Nwaneri should get a chance to impress in midfield once again.

The youngster is likely to be joined in the engine room by Havertz and Myles Lewis-Skelly due to Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino still on their breaks, and the club seeing a bid for Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle.

Max Dowman and Christos Tzolis were both on target in the 4-1 win over Girona, though the summer signing may make way for Martinelli to get some minutes in his favoured left-wing position.