Arsenal midfielder Reiss Nelson will reportedly face a criminal trial in September over an alleged dog attack.
According to the Daily Mail, the Arsenal star was charged after his dog, Tiago, allegedly attacked a massage therapist on 2 December 2020.
The masseur, Saeid Motaali was believed to have been left with injuries as a result of the apparent attack.
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It was reported that Nelson was charged with ‘being in charge of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control’.
The report also claimed that the 23-year-old has been given unconditional bail since 31 October 2022 after denying the accusation, and he will face trial on 4 September 2023.
SPORTbible has contacted Arsenal for comment.
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This will be an unwanted distraction for both Nelson and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Arteta’s men are currently eight points clear of reigning champions Manchester City as they look to clinch their first league title since the 03/04 season.
For Nelson, he has had limited opportunities to impress after making just 11 appearances this season, scoring three goals and assisting three.
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However, if the Gunners are to win the league, Nelson would have played a big part after scoring a stunner 97th-minute winner against Bournemouth in March.
It is believed that Nelson is currently in talks with Arsenal over a potential new deal.
After his goal against Bournemouth last month, Nelson said on Sky Sports News: “It’s been a rough couple of months for me, just coming back from injury and when that goal went in it was a great moment for me.
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I have been here all my life, it means a lot to me. It was a great strike. I’m delighted with the goal and hope it is the first of many.”
Whilst Arteta said: “I always saw the potential.
“The talent and the desire for him to do it, but he’s at a different level right now. I think emotionally, the experiences that he had helped him.”
Will Arsenal sustain their title charge and lift the Premier League trophy come the end of the season? Only time will tell.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Arsenal, Football, Mikel Arteta