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Mikel Arteta was pleased with substitute Reiss Nelson’s performance against Nottingham Forest and provided an update on Bukayo Saka’s injury.
THE LOWDOWN: MIXED OUTING
Arsenal thumped Forest 5-0 on Sunday to regain the top spot in the Premier League. However, it came at a cost as Reiss Nelson replaced winger Bukayo Saka due to injury in the first half. Nelson scored two goals and made an assist in the rout.
The result meant the Gunners returned to winning ways after last week’s draw at Southampton and the midweek loss to PSV in the Europa League.
THE LATEST: MANAGER’S UPDATE
Mikel Arteta shared his thoughts on the performance of winger Reiss Nelson in the game and the injury sustained by Bukayo Saka.
On Nelson’s brace, Arteta had this to say: “I think not only me, but all his teammates and all the staff are so happy for him because he’s a kid that is he’s really changing, he’s really evolving, he’s really maturing and he’s showing every day how much he wants it and today he had an opportunity and he did extremely well because he helped us to win the game.
When asked whether Saka could miss the World Cup after he was substituted, Arteta was optimistic about the winger’s chances of returning in time.
“Hopefully not,” he added.
“It was a bad kick right from the beginning he was limping, but I don’t see any further than that, let’s see how it is in the next couple of days. I think both [leg & ankle] he got kicked a few times and he wasn’t comfortable to continue.”
The Spanish coach further spoke on Nelson’s return and what it means following Saka’s injury.
”How mature, how focused he is in his profession, the way he talks, the way he reflects, the way he respects the season, the way he’s challenging everybody every single day, he’s a joy of a kid. We all want him to be successful and do well and what he’s done today for the team is something he really merits.”
”We don’t know, first of all, they are two different things, the fact that we have players that can contribute to winning games is really powerful that’s what we need, when you look on the bench to have players to change the game and today he’s done it.”
THE VERDICT: HOPE FOR THE BEST
Arsenal and Bukayo Saka can only hope for the best until the extent of his injury is ascertained. His influence on the Gunners team is enormous to see him miss out for long. More especially, he needs to be at the World Cup because he is enjoying one of the best spells of his career at the moment.
