Arsenal receive Leno boost but lose Martinelli to knee injury

First-choice 'keeper Bernd Leno's knee concern is not as bad as initially suspected, Arsenal announced Tuesday in an update on squad injuries.

Leno landed awkwardly on his right knee after colliding midair with Neal Maupay during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Brighton, prompting worries that the German shot-stopper had suffered serious ACL damage.

The club's statement said Leno received "positive news after detailed assessments" and was diagnosed with a moderate ligament sprain. He's targeting a return to training in four-to-six weeks.

The news isn't as encouraging for Gabriel Martinelli, as the Brazilian attacker requires further examination after suffering a cartilage injury in training on Sunday.

"The doctor is assessing the extent of the injury, but it's not looking good at all," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "We don't know (how long he's going to be out for), but it's looking like months."

Central defender Pablo Mari is done for the season after the Spaniard suffered a significant ankle ligament sprain during the Gunners' 3-0 loss at Manchester City last Wednesday. Mari, who is on loan from Flamengo amid reports of a potential permanent deal with Arsenal, is expected to be out for two or three months.

Meanwhile, both Granit Xhaka and Sokratis returned to full training following respective ankle and thigh issues, as did loanee right-back Cedric Soares, who has recovered from a facial injury.

Midfielder Lucas Torreira aims to return to training in the next two or three weeks after the Uruguayan broke his ankle against Portsmouth on March 2.