Emile Smith Rowe, an Arsenal midfielder, could return to duty against Burnley this Saturday.
Smith Rowe was unable to travel to West Ham United this weekend due to an ankle ailment.
Mikel Arteta said before the 6-0 victory over the Hammers that the 23-year-old ‘twisted his ankle in training’.
The Hale End Academy product has only recently begun to make his way back into Arteta’s lineup before suffering another physical setback.
But, happily for Smith Rowe and Arsenal, it appears that his latest setback is not serious.
Smith Rowe could return to Arsenal squad for Burnley
Charles Watts claims that Smith Rowe was eager to try and play through the pain after his ankle injury.
But Arsenal weren’t willing to risk his fitness for the trip to West Ham and ultimately decided to leave him out of the squad.
However, the journalist notes that Smith Rowe could still play against Burnley on Saturday, as Arsenal continues to monitor his ailment.
Even if Saturday’s game is too soon for him, he isn’t expected to be out long.
Smith Rowe’s return to full fitness will be a significant boost for Arsenal heading into the finish of the season.
The Gunners will have a busy schedule going forward, with the Champions League knockout stages beginning this week.
Smith Rowe has struggled for minutes in the last 18 months, but he is undeniably a ‘great’ talent.
However, his recent performances in an Arsenal shirt suggest he might still fight his way back into Arteta’s plans. And with games coming thick and fast in the coming weeks, Arteta will want a variety of alternatives, particularly in the middle of the park.
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