Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has an excellent opportunity to hand Reiss Nelson a start against PSV Eindhoven tonight.
Arteta’s side are making their much anticipated return to the Champions League and Gabriel Martinelli’s injury will afford a chance elsewhere.
The Brazilian is confirmed to miss Arsenal’s opener against PSV and therefore a start should be on offer for either Leandro Trossard or Reiss Nelson.
The former was excellent against Everton as a substitute on Sunday and his quick finish ultimately won the game.
And with a North London Derby on the horizon on Sunday, it would make a lot of sense to give Trossard a rest tonight.
Moreover, Reiss Nelson deserves his chance.
Nelson has largely been restricted to cameo appearances, and much like Trossard’s, some of them have been brilliant.
Arsenal handed Nelson a £100k-a-week contract extension in the summer, a wage befitting a player who starts football matches.
If Nelson’s chance doesn’t come tonight, it begs the question if it ever will.
Of course another forgotten name who might have designs on the spot is one Emile Smith Rowe.
Arteta has to give Arsenal’s Nelson an opportunity against PSV tonight
Much like Smith Rowe in the past, Reiss Nelson’s performances this season have been full of energy.
Nelson has shown so much eagerness and desire in his brief minutes off of the bench.
Moreover, there seems to be a new air about Nelson, a player who now seems ready to shoulder responsibility.
And a start against PSV on such an important night for Arsenal really could buoy Nelson to an excellent showing.
As stated, there was little point in Arsenal extending Nelson’s deal if he wasn’t going to be trusted on such an occasion.
And with Trossard likely needed for Arsenal on the weekend, it seem the perfect time to hand Nelson a rare start against PSV.
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