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Football London
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Kaya Kaynak & Tom Coley

Why Reiss Nelson was left out of Arsenal squad to face Nottingham Forest

Arsenal are without academy star Reiss Nelson for their trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.

The 23-year-old was left out of the side due to illness, football.london understands. His admission from the matchday squad left place for young trio Mauro Gomes Bandeira, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Reuell Walters.

Arsenal know that Manchester City will be crowned champions of the Premier League if they lose against Steve Cooper's relegation battling Forest.

City can still secure the title on Sunday with a win over Chelsea regardless of the outcome for the Gunners.

READ MORE: Jorginho starts, youngster involved, Trossard plays - Arsenal predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest

Nelson has played an important role for Arteta this season, scoring some crucial goals along the way in an impressive and unexpected title charge. He scored three goals with two assists along the way including a dramatic last minute winner against Bournemouth.

The former academy player has only had a bit-part role, though, and has also remained unused on the bench for 11 games as well as missing 13 with injury before the trip to Forest.

His contract expires this summer with no immediate indication that he is close to signing a new deal despite numerous offers. The English winger has already spent two seasons out on loan at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord but needs a decisive move for his long-term career next.

He will be hoping to cap the season off on the final day of the season at the Emirates Stadium next week when Arsenal welcome Wolves.

Elsewhere in the side, Arteta chose to play without an orthodox left-back, instead selecting Granit Xhaka for the role on paper whilst Thomas Partey and Jorginho were paired together in the centre of the park. Kieran Tierney was left on the bench.

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