Arsenal are back in action tonight with their first 2022/23 Europa League clash in front of their home crowd at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners take on Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt as they aim to pick up another three points in the group stage, following on from the 2-1 win over FC Zurich in Switzerland four weeks ago.
In terms of what Mikel Arteta’s starting XI could look like for tonight’s clash, as Arsenal come in off the back of beating north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 last weekend, we think that the Spaniard should seek to give one forgotten Gunners gem the chance to shine.
Reiss Nelson has yet to make an appearance for his club this season, with a thigh injury keeping him out of action since August, although he was fit enough to be on the substitutes’ bench against Tottenham.
Speaking in his latest press conference, Arteta said about the player and his current situation: “I think the potential is there. We always hang in there because we see something in Reiss that is special. He’s part of our academy system and now he’s going to have an opportunity. He’s been out for almost three months with an injury, he’s back now, he’s fully fit and he’s ready to play. He just needs minutes now.”
Last season saw the 22-year-old complete a loan spell with Feyenoord, during which he scored four goals and provided seven assists in 31 appearances across the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League, playing in the final of the latter competition.
While the Englishman will undoubtedly be chomping at the bit to get his first appearance of the season tonight, he will also have a point to prove to Arteta and the club’s supporters that he can be a useful attacking figure for the team on the pitch.
