Mikel Arteta should now start rarely-seen Arsenal star in absence of Kai Havertz

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Arsenal are set to face West Ham tonight in a game which could see Mikel Arteta’s side return to the top of the Premier League.

They will be without Kai Havertz, as the German midfielder is now suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Liverpool.

Havertz struggled at the start of the season, but has grown in confidence in recent weeks, and is now an established part of the starting XI.

Arteta has several options at his disposal to replace Havertz, including Jorginho and Leandro Trossard, but he should hand Emile Smith Rowe an opportunity from the start.

Arteta should start Emile Smith Rowe against West Ham

The Englishman has started just two games in all competitions this season, and has been linked with a move away given his lack of game time. With Havertz unavailable and Fabio Vieira still injured, it would be quite telling if he is still unable to start under Arteta.

The 23-year-old can line up alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield, and provide creativity and additional goal threat in the middle of the park.

Given that Gabriel Martinelli is suffering from a dip in form and should also perhaps be benched, Smith Rowe and one of Trossard or Reiss Nelson have a strong case to start tonight.

Arsenal have had a tough schedule, and face a trip to Fulham on Sunday, in which Havertz will likely return to the starting XI.

With this in mind, careful rotation is perhaps necessary. Whilst there is limited depth in the back four, Arteta has a chance to allow some of his bench to gain match fitness, and hand Smith Rowe a much-needed opportunity.

Is Emile Smith Rowe running out of time under Mikel Arteta?

Smith Rowe has struggled with injury since the start of last season, but was making good progress in his road to match fitness before suffering another setback.

He recently returned to the bench, and made a strong cameo against Brighton in the last home game.

Although Arteta has praised him in recent months, perhaps indicating faith in the Hale End graduate, Smith Rowe has had few opportunities in the starting XI.

With the January transfer window coming up, and Arsenal needing to make sales if they want to spend, Smith Rowe could be in line for an exit, but this would not be a popular decision if he is sold without being given a chance, and tonight’s game is the perfect opportunity for him to prove himself to Arteta.