Emile Smith Rowe has endured a frustrating 12 months at Arsenal. The Hale End graduate did not start a single fixture for the Gunners last season and started the 2023/24 campaign on the sidelines.
The England international had started the Gunners' 5-0 victory over Sheffield United last weekend, his first league outing since the end of the 2021/22 campaign. The 23-year-old would then have been hoping to be involved for the north Londoners' clash against West Ham on Wednesday night — after registering an assist at the weekend — but he was left out of the matchday squad due to a knee issue.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta delivered an update on Smith Rowe's issue before the 3-1 defeat against West Ham, confirming that the youngster was in pain before the match and could be out for a 'few weeks'. «We have an issue with him,» Arteta told Sky Sports regarding the England international.
«He felt something in his knee and started to feel some pain after the game. We are assessing him, but [it’s] a big worry with him.»
Smith Rowe joins the likes of Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines — adding to the number of injury concerns facing Arteta. Timber is out for the long-term, picking up an ACL injury back in August, whilst Partey is suffering from a thigh injury that will keep him on the treatment table for a number of weeks.
Smith Rowe's injury troubles have sparked speculation over his future at the Emirates Stadium with 90min, via the Express, claiming the 23-year-old is getting 'itchy feet' at Arsenal and looks set to leave in the coming months. Aston Villa were interested in signing him in the past, while Newcastle are also admirers of the Hale End graduate.
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