Mikel Arteta has been handed a fresh squad selection headache amid concerns that Emile Smith Rowe is unhappy. The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive end to the campaign last season and looked set to play a pivotal role in Arsenal's endeavours this time around.
He, who sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in 2026, featured 33 times for the Gunners in the Premier League last term, directly contributing towards 12 goals. Smith Rowe was widely considered as one of the north London side's most important players, with his creative nous and tenacity on the ball arming the Spaniard's side with a unique threat.
However, amid Gabriel Martinelli's and Martin Odegaard's spritely form, the England international has struggled to force his way into the Arsenal side at either left-wing or in the No.8 role, respectively. And, according to former Premier League defender Alan Hutton, Smith Rowe 'looks a bit down' amid fitness issues.
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Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "With the players that are coming in, I don’t think he’s really had the game time that he was after. You can see just in his demeanour, he looks a little bit down, he’s not as happy as he was last season.
"Getting an injury at this point in time is not ideal, especially if you’re not a main player within that team. So it’s really about him recovering from this and getting back to where he was. We know he’s a great player but you have to show the manager that you can do it on a consistent basis."
Smith Rowe is yet to make a start for Arsenal this season as he continues to struggle with injuries. His unfortunate absence from the side means an England call-up from Gareth Southgate looks unlikely ahead of the next international break. And, this could be hugely detrimental towards his mission to earn a seat on the plane flying to Qatar in November.
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