When Emile Smith Rowe had undergone surgery to repair a damaged tendon in his groin in September, only Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson were available for selection in the Premier League.
Arsenal were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. Saka and Martinelli have had a lot of pressure to perform until Smith Rowe returns from his absence, with the starting wingers being the only players in the team with Premier League experience from wide areas.
However, Smith Rowe has given a positive update on his recovery from his injury. He could be available for Arsenal’s first game after the World Cup against West Ham on December 26.
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Smith Rowe, speaking to Sky Sports at the Saudi Arabian GP on his recovery, said: “Hopefully [I’ll be back] by the first game after the World Cup. I’m actually out here doing rehab, today was my day off, I’m back training tomorrow. I’m back on the pitch, it’s going well.”
Arsenal are currently on a ten-day break before the players who didn’t get selected to go to Qatar have to report back for training at London Colney. The Gunners are set to take part in a mid-season break competition in Dubai, against a host of other European Clubs such as AC Milan and Lyon.
Smith-Rowe may not be ready to return for these matches, and he has also expressed his frustration at missing out on the Gunners’ success in the Premier League this season. “I think it’s going really well at the moment I am really happy for the team," he said when asked about Arsenal’s performances this season.
“But, sometimes it’s annoying when I can’t be involved and on the pitch with my teammates. But, it is still amazing to see them do well and I can’t wait to get back.”
Last season, when fully fit, the 22-year-old featured 37 times for Arsenal and contributed to 13 goals. The Hale End product enjoyed his first full season in the Gunners squad and was even part of Gareth Southgate's England squad during November 2021.
However, this term, he's managed only four brief substitute appearances. Smith Rowe's teammates have done splendidly without the winger, sitting top of the Premier League table, but the latter end of the season could see them face over 35 games in the space of five and a half months.
With the Gunners short in wide areas, the anticipated return of Smith Rowe would certainly be welcomed by Arteta.
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