Reiss Nelson will not feature in Feyenoord's Champions League encounter with FC Barcelona on Wednesday evening, with the English winger's work permit still pending approval. The 26-year-old joined the Dutch club on a free transfer last week following his departure from Arsenal, but administrative delays have ruled him out of the high-profile European fixture at Camp Nou.
Nelson, who signed through summer 2027, also missed Saturday's 3-1 away victory over NEC in the Eredivisie. Manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst had expressed optimism on Friday that the permit would arrive in time, but the paperwork has not been processed. Jerayno Schalken has been called into the squad as his replacement for the Barcelona clash, which kicks off at 18:45 on Wednesday.
Nelson's Feyenoord History and Recent Arrival
The winger is no stranger to Rotterdam. Nelson previously spent time at Feyenoord on loan during the 2021/22 season, making 32 appearances and contributing four goals and seven assists. His recent signing represents a fresh opportunity to rediscover form after departing the Emirates Stadium without establishing himself as a key player.
Meanwhile, Anis Hadj Moussa has travelled to Barcelona and is expected to start, with the squad announcement scheduled for Wednesday. Following the Barcelona test, Feyenoord returns to domestic action at home on 14 October when Como visit De Kuip in the Champions League league phase.
This disruption comes at a critical juncture in Feyenoord's European campaign, where squad depth and full availability will prove essential against one of Europe's elite sides.
