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Reiss Nelson might have dropped down the pecking order at Arsenal but Mikel Arteta is confident the youngster can reach the ‘next level’.
THE LOWDOWN: TOUGH PAST YEAR
Nelson spent last season on loan at Feyenoord, gaining valuable experience in the Eredivise and the Europa Conference League before returning to London Colney this summer looking to shine back in club.
He has been unable to challenge for a spot so far, having been ruled out of action due to a muscle injury but is now fit again.
With fixtures coming thick and fast in the form of five Europa League games across the next five weeks, Arteta is hopeful Nelson will be able to play his part in a crucial part of the season for the Gunners.
THE LATEST: ARTETA’S BACKING
Speaking on Nelson’s return to fitness and back available for selection, Arteta said: “After the spell that he had last year on loan, we wanted him back to see if there are any changes, and there’s a prospect that we can really take to the next level,” Arteta said. “We think the potential is there and we think we’ve seen something in Reiss that is special.
“He’s been a part of our academy system and now he’s going to have an opportunity. He’s been out for almost three months with an injury, he’s back now, he’s fully fit and he’s ready to play. He just needs minutes now.”
“His attitude and the way he’s matured and evolved over the past year or so has been really impressive, I think everybody is talking about it and now he needs to do it on the pitch.”
Arteta added on a jampacked schedule ahead of the World Cup: “It’s a test for the squad in terms of the numbers and the quality that you have when you make changes, and how much you notice that,” he added. “At the same time, it’s about how you are able to consistently play at the highest level and demand that of yourself and be successful doing it.
“It’s not something that we did last season and it’s something we will have to do this year for different reasons, but I think everybody is going to have to be able to do that after the World Cup, especially with the scheduling that we have.”
THE VERDICT: TIMELY BOOST
Nelson’s return is a welcome boost for Arteta and Arsenal, at a time when he is looking for all members of the squad to impress as we juggle the demands of domestic and European football during a packed fixture list in October especially.
