Mikel Arteta has told Football London that Reiss Nelson would have started for Arsenal last night, but he has picked up an injury.
Arsenal took on Molde and many were surprised when Nelson wasn’t part of the Gunners’ starting team.
The young winger had impressed in Arsenal’s last European game against Dundalk, where he looked a constant threat.
But Arteta says that the attacker was only left out as he was injured, and he is prepared to hand Arsenal’s prospects more chances in the future.
“You see the numbers of how much young players of how much football they played when I joined,” the Spanish boss said.
“Eddie was on loan and is now playing, Bukayo wasn’t playing, the same with Joe. Reiss is injured otherwise he would have played tonight.
“The good thing is that they’re young players and they have to earn the right to play and they are doing that.”
In Nelson’s absence Arsenal still managed to pick up the three points, as they eventually cruised to a 4-1 victory.
Arsenal fell behind in the contest, but their class ultimately shone through as they comfortably dispatched with their Norwegian opponents.
With Nelson out, Willian and Nicolas Pepe were backed to start down the wings for Arsenal.
Willian struggled during the contest, but Pepe managed to score the Gunners’ third, which will not hurt his chances of starting more frequently.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
