Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson made his long-awaited return to footballing action in midweek, bagging a goal and an assist for Brentford in the Carabao Cup.
The Hale End academy graduate has endured a mixed few years, which have involved some playing time under Mikel Arteta, though he has largely been utilised as a squad player when available.
Reiss Nelson has since spent time out on loan, joining Fulham last season in a spell that was ended early through injury.
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Now, he has made the move from Arsenal to Brentford on loan, and while injury and illness have hindered him early, the winger may have finally kick-started his time with the Bees on his first start.
Reiss Nelson reacts for Brentford against West Ham
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Keith Andrews impressed by Reiss Nelson after Arsenal loanee’s full Brentford debut
Reiss Nelson’s loan move to Brentford came late in the summer transfer window, as he looked to earn some more game time.
The impact of injury and illness has meant something of a delayed start to his career with the west London outfit, but that can now kick on.
A first start of the season was handed to Nelson in Brentford’s Carabao Cup tie with Grimsby Town, who knocked out Manchester United in the second round of the competition.
The Arsenal loanee scored and assisted in a 5-0 thrashing before he was substituted after 68 minutes.
There were some real glimpses of his quality in the game, with Keith Andrews pouring plenty of praise on the star.
He told the official Brentford website: “I thought he [Nelson] was really good. I just wanted him to attack it, really, just get after the game, and if he blew up, he blew up because he hasn’t got that in the tank yet.
“That was minutes that I needed to go full on for 90 minutes, but it’s another big step for Reiss to get him up to full speed and have no doubt Reiss will be a big player for us.
“He showed that tonight, I thought his attitude was outstanding, the way he approached it, and you could see the quality that he has.”
Nelson will be hopeful that this is the start of a positive rest of the campaign, with plenty of football still to be played.
Reiss Nelson scores for Brentford against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
What is next for Reiss Nelson
With plenty of football left to be played, Reiss Nelson will now be looking to build some momentum with a Brentford side that is starting to click under Keith Andrews.
With a frontline that consists of Kevin Schade, Dango Ouattara and Igor Thiago, it could be tough for the 25-year-old to force his way into contention.
However, a goal and an assist on his full debut will certainly help, while more minutes are needed to build that match sharpness.
Beyond that, Nelson’s loan ends next summer, while he will still have one year remaining on his contract at Arsenal.
It remains to be seen whether a permanent exit could be on the cards, or whether it would have to be another loan until his contract expires.
For now, though, it’s all about enjoying football at the top level once again.