Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly expected to miss Arsenal’s Boxing Day clash against West Ham through injury as the Gunners aim to not rush the England international back.
According to CBS Sports journalist James Benge, the Hale End academy graduate will not feature for Mikel Arteta’s side against West Ham, with the Arsenal star missing the majority of the season through injury with the expectation being that Smith Rowe will be back for the festive period.
The 22-year-old has made just four substitute appearances all season as Smith Rowe went under the knife to repair a long-standing groin problem that had been causing the winger some major injury problems. However, the recovery period is taking longer than expected.
Smith Rowe was one of the Premier League’s breakout players last season as the attacker bagged ten goals in the Premier League as the Gunners came within two points of a UEFA Champions League finish, and whilst Arsenal have been sensational without the winger this season, his absence has been felt.
Indeed, the Gunners have often found themselves lacking that extra danger man from the bench in most games this campaign. And for Smith Rowe, the 22-year-old would have been the perfect player to fill this role, something that is now needed more than ever with Gabriel Jesus set to miss three months of action due to injury.
Emile Smith Rowe injury latest is the last thing fans wanted to hear
Smith Rowe established himself last season as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents, yet like we have seen many times at Arsenal, injuries have been cruel to the winger, with this latest setback the last thing supporters wanted to hear.
After all, the festive period could make or break Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes, and having a player as good as Smith Rowe absent will do nothing but harm Arteta’s chances of once again picking up a perfect set of results against West Ham and then Brighton & Hove Albion.
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