Mikel Arteta handed injury boost as Arsenal star returns to training ahead of PSV

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have a busy fixture schedule ahead, so it is a welcome relief that one of many injured players now looks set to return.

Emile Smith Rowe spent most of last season injured, and was handed further frustration in this campaign as he picked up another issue after beginning to find his fitness and form.

He has not featured for over a month after picking up a knee injury in training, but ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League trip to PSV Eindhoven, he now looks ready to make a return.

Emile Smith Rowe returns to Arsenal training

A report from Football.London has now revealed that Smith Rowe returned to training today, with Arsenal set to travel to the Netherlands ahead of their match against PSV tomorrow.

With Arsenal already qualified as group winners, plenty of rotation is expected against the Dutch side, and if he is fit enough to make the trip, Smith Rowe will hope for some minutes tomorrow.

Smith Rowe made his first Premier League start of the season in a 5-0 win over Sheffield United just before his injury, after he began impressing in both training and a few substitute appearances.

Arsenal then face Brighton at the Emirates before a tough trip to play Liverpool at Anfield, and having the Englishman in the squad, even as a bench option, will be a big boost for Mikel Arteta.

Is Smith Rowe running out of opportunities at Arsenal?

Smith Rowe will now hope he does not suffer any more injury issues, as he is running out of time to prove himself at the club.

Recent reports have indicated that Arteta would be willing to sell the popular midfielder if a suitable offer arrives in January.

As talented as Smith Rowe is, if he cannot be relied upon because of his fitness, then his future at Arsenal could be in jeopardy, and he has a lot to prove if he is given the opportunity to do so.

If he cannot make the PSV trip, he seems unlikely to start any time soon, but with Fabio Vieira and Thomas Partey also injured, he could be the first port of call as a substitute when it comes to trying to change the game from the bench.

With Arsenal lacking some guile around the opposition box, Smith Rowe could be a solution to help the Gunners create more and add more goals to the team, but if he cannot stay fit, he cannot be considered a long-term option.