Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will hope to pick up a victory over Liverpool on Saturday night – but he may have to do it without Emile Smith Rowe.
Bukayo Saka is already a major injury doubt for the game, and it now looks like Smith Rowe may be struggling for inclusion too.
The playmaker has been away with the England Under-21’s, but missed out on Wednesday’s defeat at the hands of Croatia through injury.
Given that Arsenal are now just over 48 hours from facing Liverpool, it seems like Smith Rowe is in a real race against time to make himself available.
Arteta has now been asked about Smith Rowe’s fitness, and he has told Football.London that Smith Rowe has had discomfort in his hip, hence England leaving him out.
Arteta suggested that he will speak to Arsenal’s doctors and physios and see how Smith Rowe fares in training today, before making a final decision.
“He has some discomfort in his hip and that’s why they decided to keep him out,” said Smith Rowe. “I don’t know – we will see today how he comes here, we will speak with the doctors and the physios and see if he is available for training tomorrow,” he added.
It doesn’t sound all too encouraging on Smith Rowe, who has been so good for Arsenal of late that Arteta branded him ‘magnificent’ not long ago.
Smith Rowe’s absence may mean that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is stationed on the left flank again, though Willian and Gabriel Martinelli may also be in contention.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
