Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Reiss Nelson’s injury against Juventus does not look good but he is optimistic that a trio of sidelined players are nearing a return and progressing well.
The Gunners enjoyed near total domination over their Italian opponents at the Emirates on Saturday evening yet lost 2-0, with Granit Xhaka and Rob Holding both netting own goals in stoppage time of each half.
To add insult to injury, Nelson – who looked in fine form before the season broke up for the World Cup – had to be helped off the pitch mid-way through the first half clutching his thigh.
Arsenal are already light on numbers in attack with some players yet to return from Qatar while Gabriel Jesus could be sidelined for several months after undergoing knee surgery.
Arteta fears Nelson could also be set for a period out of action, though he insists Arsenal will not be changing their January transfer plans as a result.
Asked about the winger’s injury, and whether it hastens plans to bring in a forward when the window reopens, Arteta replied: ‘We don’t know the extent of the injury. The fact he had to leave the pitch immediately is not good news, especially someone like Reiss, who is really powerful and fast.
‘Let’s see what happens. We know what we have to do and that hasn’t changed the plans.’
Emile Smith Rowe, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu were all absent from the squad against Juventus but Arteta is hopeful that they can start to be integrated more in the coming days and weeks.
The Spaniard continued: ‘[Emile] hasn’t been able to train in the last few days but hopefully he can start [to train] next week.
‘He’s been out for a while now – he needs some time to get back to speed. We really need him and we’re going to welcome him with both arms, because he’s a really important player for us. We need him fit on the pitch.
‘Alex is progressing well and Tomi is running on the pitch. Hopefully we’re going to get the international players [who have been at the World Cup] joining again this week and then we’ll all be watching William Saliba tomorrow to see if he can win the World Cup.’
On when Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be phased back in, Arteta added: ‘They’ll come back straight away into the rhythm, shape and mould of the team.
‘We’re waiting for them and they are desperate to be back as well. I’ve spoken to both of them. Gabi was here today, with a big smile and big energy. He’s ready to go again. It’s going to be a big boost for the team.’
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