Reiss Nelson returns to Arsenal training after thigh injury

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 02 February 2023

Arsenal attacker Reiss Nelson returns to training after more than a month out with a thigh injury sustained in a winter friendly against Juventus.

Arsenal attacker Reiss Nelson has returned to first-team training with the Gunners after recovering from a thigh injury.

The 23-year-old has been out of action since sustaining the problem during a winter friendly defeat to Juventus at the Emirates Stadium on January 17, missing Arsenal's last seven games in all tournaments.

Nelson has been restricted to just seven appearances this term due to a previous quadriceps injury in pre-season, one of which saw him deputise for Bukayo Saka after his compatriot came off in the first half of October's meeting with Nottingham Forest.

Nelson starred with two goals and an assist in that 5-0 win over the Tricky Trees, and he also set up Eddie Nketiah's goal in Arsenal's 3-1 EFL Cup third-round defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in November.

Look who's back with us 🤩

📍 London Colney pic.twitter.com/c8GPoNkO0N
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 2, 2023

Ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Everton at Goodison Park, Nelson has now recovered from his thigh problem to rejoin his teammates for training at London Colney.

However, the former England youth international would only be expected to make the bench at Goodison Park, with Saka and Gabriel Martinelli set to bomb down the flanks from the first whistle.

Nelson's comeback boosts Arteta's attacking options further, though, with Fabio Vieira and Leandro Trossard also in reserve, but Gabriel Jesus remains out with his serious knee injury.

Emile Smith Rowe will also need to be assessed after missing last week's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City with a thigh issue, while Thomas Partey should be fine after a knock to the ribs, but Mohamed Elneny is out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

Nelson now boasts six goals and six assists in 55 appearances for Arsenal, who remain five points clear of Man City at the top of the table with a game in hand.