As well as Arsenal having to cope with two games in less than three days because of our failure to qualify for the Champions League meaning we play on Thursday nights in the Europa League before almost always getting handed an away game in the Premier League on a Sunday, Arsene Wenger has a growing injury list to worry about.
But we have to make do with what we have and if every cloud has a silver lining, this one´s is that it gives the boss the perfect opportunity to play fringe players and young Gunners from the academy. One of the brightest of these rising stars is the talented teenage sensation Reiss Nelson, who has already played in the two previous European ties.
Some Arsenal fans have bemoaned the fact that Wenger has not used him in his usual role as a wide forward though, playing him at right wing back instead, but tonight could be the night when young Nelson gets a more advanced role in the Arsenal side.
With Welbeck out of action the boss is probably going to keep his other first team forwards like Alexis Sanchez fresh for Everton on Sunday, so it seems like the right time to give the 17-year old a chance. He has some first team experience now should not be so nervous and he should be confident after starring and scoring plenty of goals for the under 23 side.
Time to let him show what he can do against Red Star Belgrade do you think?
Bob.