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Mikel Arteta hoping to have Emile Smith Rowe back “soon” after three months out
Mikel Arteta was all smiles after Thursday’s 3-0 victory over Lyon in the Dubai Super Cup and he said post-match that he’s hopeful of Emile Smith Rowe returning to action “soon”.
Smith Rowe played a key role in, well, saving Arteta’s job at one point but he’s barely featured this season and hasn’t played since the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United back in September. The England international underwent surgery to fix a groin issue that had been giving him grief for quite some time.
Nevertheless, the Gunners coped superbly in his absence and entered the World Cup break five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. However, there’s no doubt that Smith Rowe’s return would be a big boost, especially when you take into account Gabriel Jesus’ recent injury setback.
Mikel Arteta hoping to have Emile Smith Rowe back “soon”
Arteta on when we might see Smith Rowe back:
— Kaya Kaynak (@kayakaynak97) December 8, 2022
Emile has been returned to training and is in that process after a period with real discomfort, so we’re giving him time. He’s getting closer and closer so hopefully he’ll be ready soon. https://t.co/2QnDGXeRN6
Smith Rowe has made the trip out to Dubai for the club’s warm-weather training camp amid the World Cup and he was spotted in training ahead of Thursday’s game.
However, the dynamic midfielder played no part in the victory as Gabriel, Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira got themselves on the scoresheet during an impressive first-half showing.
After seeing his side claim a bonus point in the penalty shootout that followed the fixture, Arteta said that he’s hopeful Smith Rowe will “soon” be ready to make his return.
“Emile has returned to training and is in that process after a period of real discomfort, so we’re giving him time. He’s getting closer and closer so hopefully, he’ll be ready soon,” the Arsenal boss told football.london.
Arteta will be keen to hand Smith Rowe minutes before the Gunners’ Boxing Day clash against West Ham. With Jesus poised to be out for a prolonged period, the Englishman could have a big role to play in the coming weeks and months given his goalscoring instincts and capacity to play as a false nine.
Smith Rowe is a talent supporters love to watch, and it appears we won’t have to wait too much longer until he’s befuddling defences once more.