Arsenal forward Nelson faces criminal trial in over alleged 'dog attack'

Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson is facing a criminal trial in September after his dog allegedly attacked a masseur in London.

The 23-year-old was charged after his dog, named Tiago, believed to be a Staffordshire bull terrier, allegedly attacked massage therapist Saeid Motaali on December 2, 2020, leaving him with injuries in north London.

According to the Dailymail, Nelson has been charged with “being in charge of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control.”

He denied the accusation on October 2022 and has since been granted unconditional bail. His trial is set for September 4.

The shock disclosure comes with Mikel Arteta’s side top of the Premier League table, and is likely to be viewed as an unwelcome distraction.

Nelson has made 11 appearances for Arsenal this season, scoring three goals—including a dramatic 97th-minute winner to beat Bournemouth last month—and providing as many assists.

He is in talks over a new contract at the north London club, who he joined as a nine-year-old, and where he has gone on to make 59 appearances.

The Gunners are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and head to Anfield for a meeting with Liverpool on Sunday.