3 fringe players to look out for in upcoming Europa League campaign

Despite falling short against Manchester United on Sunday, the players cannot afford to have their confidence shaken. With their Europa League opener arriving on Thursday evening, Arsenal face a short turnaround as they look to bounce back.

While the Europa League games complicate the fixture schedule, it offers an opportunity for fans and coaching staff alike to take a closer look at their squad. Players can build up their fitness while trying to work their way into the starting lineup. Plus it’s another route back into the promised land of the Champions League via a nice European trophy.

3 fringe players to look out for in upcoming Europa League campaign

Heavy rotation is expected to occur given how much deeper the squad appears to be this season. Here are three players to look out for in the upcoming Europa League campaign.

3. Reiss Nelson

Another year has passed and Reiss Nelson is still an Arsenal player. A poorly timed injury and perhaps a general disinterest in the player, along with his desire to challenge for a spot in the team, has Nelson drifting. Although he trains with the first team, Bukayo Saka’s brilliance has meant minutes in the league have been hard to come by.

At his best, Nelson is an explosive winger possessing the technical quality to suit up on either flank. Although his dribbling has been impressive in the past, his lack of end product has tempered the hype that arose when he burst onto the first-team scene.

With Nicolas Pepe leaving on loan, newcomer Marquinhos the only other right-sided attacker and Emile Smith Rowe’s injury, the Europa League should give Nelson a chance to get some minutes into his legs when he returns to the fold as he looks to show Mikel Arteta his quality.

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