Due to an injury, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was replaced against Nottingham Forest.
When star player Bukayo Saka was forced off in the 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest due to injury, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta probably feared the worst. The England player has been one of the Gunners’ standout performers this season. Before being pulled off the field by a strong challenge from defender Renan Lodi, Saka had already contributed an assist to Gabriel Martinelli’s opening goal and was in charge of the game with 27 minutes remaining.
Saka might miss Arteta’s final two Premier League contests before the World Cup, but the Spanish manager allayed concerns that the winger would be sidelined for an extended period of time and that his participation for England was in jeopardy. But the injury might have brought to light team-wide problems for Arsenal that could later hurt them.
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Reiss Nelson and Marquinhos were the only pure wingers Arteta could use because Emile Smith Rowe was also injured. There have been calls for the Gunners to make an investment in that position in January.
Raphinha was the target of a bid from Arsenal in the summer, but the Brazilian ultimately decided to join Barcelona. As a result, Arsenal considered adding another winger to their squad.
Cody Gakpo of PSV has been mentioned as a possible target, and Orlando City forward Facundo Torres has been linked recently.
Nelson, who came on as a substitute against Steve Cooper’s team, may have convinced Arteta that there is no need to make a January winger acquisition. Nelson, who was once overlooked by Arsenal, scored twice and provided an assist in 63 minutes of action during his lone league outing of the year.
The 22-year-old played three times in the Europa League this season, although he only spent 72 minutes on the field in total. Nelson, who spent last season on loan at Feyenoord, still exuded confidence as he calmed Saka’s worries with a fantastic performance and scored his first goals for the team since November 2020.
Nelson’s contract with Arsenal ends at the end of the current campaign, therefore he is hoping to keep performing well while wearing the club’s colors to earn a new one.
Nelson declared, “At this football club, I’ve never questioned myself.” “I’ve been a fan of Arsenal since I was eight years old, and I have a very, very close relationship with the club.
“Of course, there have been times when I’ve been a little depressed when I haven’t played or have been on the bench, but my plan has never been for me to quit the club or claim that I have no future here – and I will do all possible to get there,” the player said.