Arsenal handed Martin Odegaard injury worry as Mikel Arteta has his ‘own Mohamed Salah’
Amid all the chaos on transfer deadline day, Reiss Nelson secured an exit from Arsenal on a season-long loan switch to Fulham.
The Hale End Academy graduate had struggled for minutes in recent seasons, with Bukayo Saka’s impressive performances keeping him out of the side.
With the signing of Raheem Sterling, Nelson’s chance to earn minutes had reduced even further, leading to questions over his position in the squad.
As such, a loan move was facilitated as the 24-year-old looks to rediscover his best form over the campaign.
Discussing the decision with the Fulham media team, Nelson said: “When you feel like you need more game time I think you have to take a loan opportunity.
“For me, I couldn’t turn this one down and I’m happy we got it done in the end.”
Mikel Arteta and the rest of the Arsenal faithful will no doubt be watching how one of their own does while out on loan.
Martin Odegaard injury latest
Arsenal may have been handed a huge blow after the revelation of a fresh injury concern for Martin Odegaard on international duty.
The Norway captain appeared to pick up a problem after the draw against Brighton, which could put his place in the North London Derby team at risk.
Mikel Arteta is already without Declan Rice for the huge game, following a red card in the previous game which will suspend him from taking part.
Discussing the injury, Norway manager Stale Solbakken told the media: “I don’t think [fatigue] that’s what it is, I think it’s another bang.”
The head coach then clarified further, adding: “I was about to say. I think it is something other than the bang, so to speak.”
It may suggest a bigger problem than the average knock players would otherwise pick up, coming as a slight concern for Arsenal.
Arsenal star compared to Mohamed Salah
The Arsenal squad is filled with plenty of big superstars, but Troy Deeney believes Bukayo Saka is very similar to Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in his ability.
The Egypt international has been one of the most prolific attackers in the Premier League since he made his return with the Reds.
Very few have been able to consistently match his output and his longevity, though plenty of those at the Emirates Stadium will be looking to do just that.
Saka is one of those, having been a mainstay in the side since he was just a teenager.
Now at 23 years old, the winger is continuing to shine, with Deeney comparing his ability to that of Salah.
On the Seaman Says podcast, Arsenal legend David Seaman first said: “Saka just couldn’t connect with the ball for some reason.”
To which Deeney replied: “He does that though, but the reason he gets away with it is because he scores. Dare I say it he’s a bit like Mohamed Salah in that situation.
“Salah creates a lot of chances for himself, but when he doesn’t score it’s like ‘oh my god, he’s missed five today.’ But you know in your head he will probably get three the week after.”
