Bukayo Saka cannot be replaced, says Gabriel Martinelli, as Gabriel Jesus issues Premier League title rallying cry

React to this story

Arsenal suffered a serious blow to their title chase when winger Bukayo Saka was ruled out for months with a hamstring injury, but they did their credentials no harm with a 3-1 comeback win at Brentford on Wednesday. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, goalscorer Gabriel Martinelli claimed a player of Saka's quality could not be replaced.

'No one can replace him' - Martinelli on injured Saka

Video credit: TNT Sports

Gabriel Martinelli says that the injured Bukayo Saka is irreplaceable, but - like fellow forward Gabriel Jesus - is bullish about his side's ability to cope in his absence as they pursue silverware this term.

Arsenal came from a goal behind to secure a 3-1 Premier League victory over Brentford at the Gtech Arena on New Year's Day, with goals coming from Martinelli, Jesus, and Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino.

Mikel Arteta’s men are now six points behind league leaders Liverpool, though the latter have a game in hand.

World Cup

Saka: England must use 'noise' as 'fuel' for future success

19/07/2026 at 09:56

Martinelli is one of the players who will have to chip in to account for Saka’s absence after he was ruled out for months after hamstring surgery.

He said: "I think no one can replace him [Saka], he’s one of the best players in the world. But we know our reputation, and we know the team that we have.

"We trust in ourselves, and we are going to try our best for the club and for B[ukayo] as well. I’m sure he’s happy with the result."

Jesus: 'For sure' Arsenal can win Premier League

Martinelli’s namesake and fellow Brazilian forward Jesus, has lifted the title with Manchester City before, and he said that going from his experience, he judges his current team-mates as equally well-equipped to win the championship.

"Yes, for sure," he began.

"The previous two years were amazing. Obviously, we did not win, but we fought until the end. To play in this competition is already hard, to fight for the title, imagine.

Highlights: Jesus and Martinelli star as Arsenal go second

Video credit: TNT Sports

"As you say, I’ve already been there, but I can see this team is experienced now.

"Everyone now is a good player, an amazing player, and I’m sure we can go there and fight for the title.

"It’s still early, and we just need to keep trying to play well and win the games. That’s it."

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Serie A and more on TNT Sports and discovery+.

World Cup

England health bill: What Tuchel has said on Rice, James and Konsa ahead of Argentina

13/07/2026 at 16:57

World Cup

'Normally it should be a little bit strange' - Madueke says no Saka jealousy

30/06/2026 at 08:17

Related Matches

Brentford

Arsenal