Why Emile Smith Rowe was a surprise absence from Arsenal squad v West Ham

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Mikel Arteta has confirmed why Emile Smith Rowe is absent from Arsenal’s squad today to face West Ham, with the 23-year-old once again missing.

The England international has featured in Arsenal’s last seven Premier League squads, with Smith Rowe even starting for the Gunners against Nottingham Forest in a 2-1 win at the City Ground.

The Hale End academy graduate this season returned from injury after being out for virtually a year through a groin issue, with Arsenal missing Smith Rowe’s presence.

And speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta has confirmed that Smith Rowe has missed out on today’s match after rolling his ankle in training, with Arsenal already missing some big names on the bench.

Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey remain unavailable due to injury, with Arsenal also missing the likes of Fabio Vieira and Jurrien Timber.

And Smith Rowe has now joined this list, though it appears that the attacking midfielder could be back quite soon given the nature of the youngster’s injury.

Arsenal will hope Emile Smith Rowe is back from injury for next week

Smith Rowe is one of the most unique players in Arsenal’s squad, with the versatile winger a genuine game-changer in the right environment.

And Arsenal will be gutted that the youngster is out for today’s match, with West Ham an opponent Smith Rowe could have caused some serious damage with this afternoon.

However, football is an unpredictable and cruel game, and Arsenal have again been struck with an injury curse that will see Smith Rowe miss this game at a minimum.

Yet given that the youngster has only suffered a rolled ankle, there’s every chance that the forward could be back as early as next week, when Arsenal travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley.