Arsenal have been handed a huge fitness boost after Emile Smith Rowe was pictured taking part in the early training sessions in Dubai. Despite Mikel Arteta being initially absent having attended a meeting with the club’s owner Stan Kroenke, Josh Kroenke and sporting director Edu, the Spaniard will be looking forward to the boost of the 22-year-old’s return.
Smith Rowe has been absent since the 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford. The Arsenal attacker was injured in the warm-down and aggravated a groin issue that then required surgery, ruling him out until after the World Cup.
“We needed to put a line, draw a line, we made that decision, and the player was the first one demanding almost that he wanted an end decision and we supported that,” Arteta explained in September being why they chose the surgery pathway. “Now we have to prepare him to get back stronger than he was.”
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Arsenal have been in good form despite Smith Rowe’s absence. Gabriel Martinelli has featured as the left-sided starter; however, the Hale End graduate could yet find his way back into the side considering the recent injury concerns over Gabriel Jesus.
Suffering a knee injury whilst with Brazil, the full extent of the issue is not yet known. However, should he be out for an extended period, Arteta could call on Smith Rowe to resume his left flank duties, moving Martinelli into a more central role should he not have confidence in Eddie Nketiah.
Smith Rowe was shown taking part in an exercise with Marquinhos and Albert Sambi Lokonga in a video released on the Arsenal website on Tuesday. Although not shown taking part in any intense running as of yet, besides a small warm-up jog with Rob Holding, his ball work is a great sign of the progress being made.
With Arsenal playing both Lyon and AC Milan in the Dubai Super Cup, should Smith Rowe be included in either matchday squad, there is a serious chance of being match ready for the Premier League return on Boxing Day. A friendly against Juventus is scheduled at the Emirates Stadium on December 17, another chance to be involved in some action ahead of schedule.
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