Reiss Nelson breaks silence on being dropped by Hoffenheim

During the international break Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson revealed to the Daily Star why he was dropped by loan club, Hoffenheim.

Nelson hit the ground running upon his loan move to the German outfit, scoring six times in his first seven appearances in the Bundesliga. Since his electric start the goals dried up and the England under 21 star has failed to make the starting 11 since December, even being left out of the squad altogether from Hoffenheim’s recent 2-1 victory over 1. FC Nürnberg.

Hoffenheim boss Julian Nagelsmann stated that the Arsenal man had been left out for “educational measures.”

Ahead of England u21’s friendly against Germany, Nelson revealed:  “I was late to training, I was 20 minutes late, and that’s something I need to learn from. You can make mistakes but it’s your job and you shouldn’t be late.

“I held my hand up and I said sorry to him and we both moved on as bigger men.

“He put me in the squad the next week because I’d been doing well.”

Since his summer move to Germany, Nelson has admitted to struggling with living in a different country: “I’ve been out there for 10 months by myself, it’s not been easy and I haven’t had my mum or my brother about.

“I’ve got to do my own shopping, I haven’t got many friends out there but it’s my job and I’m there to play football.

“When I do come back I do like to go out with my friends and see family because in Germany I’m on a mission.

“I do like to enjoy myself when I’m back but that’s normal for a guy my age.

“I don’t get homesick but my family are very good, they’ll fly straight over and my brother will come and stay for a month and my mum will come over any time I ask her.”

The 19-year-old’s club issues haven’t transferred on to the international stage, after a stellar performance in England u21’s draw with Poland, providing a wonderful assist for Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the first goal of the game.

Nelson made his debut for the under 21’s at the age of 18 and has featured 5 times at that level, scoring twice and providing two assists, respectively.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery sent the winger on loan for more first team football, and despite his recent issues, you can say the spell has been a success. Since his move Nelson has featured in 18 league games including five UEFA Champions League games, providing 7 goal contributions; in comparison to his 3 Premier League appearances and 0 goal contributions for the Gunners last season.