During pre-season, Ian Wright claimed that Reiss Nelson had gained a “new lease of life” at Arsenal following a season-long loan at Feyenoord.
The 22-year-old scored four goals while also providing seven assists in the Netherlands, and Mikel Arteta supposedly performed a U-turn when deciding not to sell the England Under-21 international.
Unfortunately, Nelson has now suffered a significant setback.
What’s the story?
Well, after a promising pre-season, the Hale End graduate was presumably hoping to see some action in the Premier League.
However, Nelson will now have to wait at least two months for a chance, after he suffered a quad injury.
It is a painful blow for the Londoner, who continues to see his career stutter at the Emirates Stadium after bursting onto the scene in 2017.
Nelson was named on the bench for the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, and he may well have been introduced at Selhurst Park if Arsenal found themselves chasing the game.
Sadly, he was not used by Arteta, and it may have been the winger’s last opportunity to play for the Gunners.
Reiss Nelson may have already played last Arsenal game
In our view, Nelson may never kick a ball for the north Londoners again.
By the time he recovers from his injury and works his way back into Arteta’s thinking, the World Cup in November will be on the horizon.
That will take us to the latter stages of December, where the January transfer window is then on the agenda.
In our view, that is when Nelson will leave.
The youngster’s contract expires in June 2023, so January represents Arsenal’s last chance to receive a fee for their Hale End graduate before losing him on a free transfer.
Crystal Palace and Brighton have previously been credited with an interest in Nelson, so we believe the forward won’t be short of options.
Only time will tell what happens, but we think the £38,000-a-week man may have already played his last game for the Gunners.
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