Arsenal attacker Emile Smith Rowe is in line to return to action next month from a long-term injury, with the 22-year-old set to be named in the Gunners’ squad for the Dubai Super Cup.
According to the Evening Standard, the England international will be part of Mikel Arteta’s side that will be largely made up of players who didn’t qualify or were selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with Smith Rowe missing out on an England call-up due to injury.
The Hale End academy graduate has not played for Arsenal since the north London side’s 3-1 loss to Manchester United, with the attacker going under the knife to repair a groin problem that has plagued the youngster over the last few years.
Smith Rowe was one of Arsenal’s best players last season as the winger hitting a club-high 11 goals in all competitions. However, injuries have been a constant issue in the forward’s footballing career, and the youngster’s latest round of treatment will look to end these problems.
Yet this update is a promising one for supporters. Smith Rowe’s presence off the bench has been greatly felt, with Arsenal lacking that extra edge amongst the substitutes to replace the likes of Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli when chasing a game.
Moreover, the forward’s return from injury next month will be greatly anticipated by Arsenal fans, with Smith Rowe no doubt keen on making a strong comeback after missing the first half of the season. And the attacker’s presence could be massive for the Gunners.
Insider’s View: Smith Rowe’s return from injury could not have come at a better time
The old saying ‘feels like a new signing’ has been used quite a bit in recent years in regards to Arsenal players returning from injury. Yet the cliche couldn’t sum up Smith Rowe’s return to action any better, with the winger exactly what the north London side needs heading into 2023.
Whilst there’s a slim chance of the youngster replacing Gabriel Martinelli in the starting XI, Smith Rowe coming back into the squad and pushing the Brazilian will only benefit the squad. And the England international has the potential to become the clutch player off the bench the Gunners have been lacking all season.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
