Mikel Arteta has revealed what Emile Smith Rowe must 'prove' to get back into the Arsenal starting line-up following his return from injury. The 22-year-old has suffered an injury-ridden campaign, initially missing much of the season due to a groin problem before sustaining a thigh strain in the latter stages of his rehabilitation programme.
Smith Rowe is back on the road to recovery now, featuring in the matchday squad in each of the Gunners' previous five Premier League fixtures. In two of which, against Everton and Bournemouth, the midfielder enjoyed brief cameos off the bench, registering an assist against the latter.
With the midfielder closing in on his first start of the season, Arteta has explained that the Hale End graduate must prove how much the club have missed his 'qualities'. Speaking to football.london ahead of Arsenal's clash with Sporting CP in the Europa League, the Gunners boss said: "He knows how much we love him and how much we missed him and how much we need his qualities.
