Emile Smith Rowe finally returned to action for Arsenal as he came on as a substitute in the 3-0 FA Cup third round win against Oxford on Monday night. The 22-year-old had only played a total of 47 minutes this season before last night, having struggled with a groin injury.
Smith Rowe underwent surgery four months ago to correct an issue that he had been dealing with for a number of months. The England international missed out on the majority of Arsenal's pre-season tour in America before aggravating a long-standing injury in the warm down following their defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The English attacker's return is a welcome boost for Mikel Arteta who saw his options weakened after Gabriel Jesus suffered a knee injury during the World Cup. The Brazilian striker is set to be sidelined until February or March with the club actively pursuing a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk to reinforce Arteta's squad before the January transfer window closes.
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Bukayo Saka limped off raising concerns amongst supporters that the Gunners may be dealt another cruel injury blow, but Arteta confirmed that the 21-year-old will be "fine" for the north London derby this weekend following the FA Cup win. Smith Rowe replaced his fellow Hale End graduate in the second half and looked as if he had been playing the entire season given how well he slotted back into the team.
Speaking after the win, the 22-year-old detailed how Arteta had helped him during his recovery and declared himself to be over his groin issues as he looks to aid Arsenal's Premier League title challenge in the second half of the season. When asked about how he coped during his time on the sidelines, Smith Rowe responded: "It has been difficult being out for this long.
"I don’t think I have had this [long a lay-off] before and it has been tough watching the boys. But at the same time we are top of the league and playing really well, so I can’t complain.
"It was really tough, but the whole team was around me. The manager really helped me and obviously I had my family back home supporting me.
"So it was really tough, but I managed to get through it and I am just happy I’m fully fit now. I was pretty much with them [the squad] from the start to be honest after surgery.
"I was in all the meetings and stuff, trying to keep up with the knowledge and learning every day what he (Arteta) was trying to apply in training. It has been much easier than I thought. I am just happy to be back now."
Smith Rowe admitted that he had been suffering with a groin issue since he was 18, but now believes he will no longer be hampered by it as he looks forward to being involved more, starting with the north London derby on Sunday.
"A lot of people might not know, but I have had this injury since I was 18, 19," he continued. "It has been quite hard to deal with it over the years.
"But I am really happy that it is just finally over. I had a successful surgery and I am really feeling really good. I can’t wait and the lads can’t wait as well [for the north London derby]. I am sure we will do well.
"Yeah, for sure. I have been itching to get out there and play with the boys. I hope I can make an impact. I hope we can have a great rest of the season.
"I think it would be massive for us [to beat Tottenham]. I think it couldn’t come at a better time.
"We are feeling really good at the moment. All the boys know what it means to play in these kind of games. We are all going to rest up now and get ready for it."
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