'Not a good sign': Mikel Arteta says 'special' Arsenal player is going to be out for weeks now

By Sam Preston

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given a fitness update on winger Reiss Nelson after his injury against Juventus.

Arteta faced the media before the Gunners’ return to Premier League action against London rivals West Ham on Boxing Day.

He was asked about Nelson and said it is not good news on the man who has forced his way back into Arsenal’s plans of late.

Arteta on Nelson injury

When asked about Nelson’s injury, Arteta said: “I’m talking about weeks.

“Not a matter of days but he will be out for a few weeks.

“Let’s see how he reacts to the next few days but he felt something straight away, and with sprinters that’s not a good sign.”

The injury is not good news for Nelson, who is in the final months of his Arsenal contract and is pushing to try and earn a new one.

Arteta has called Nelson ‘special‘ recently, and put him in his first ever Arsenal starting XI, ahead of record signing Nicolas Pepe.

His injury could only intensify the need for a new winger, which was already the priority for the January transfer window anyway.

Arteta will need the full depth of his squad if Arsenal are to maintain their title challenge as they resume the season five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.