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Emile Smith Rowe is delighted to be back in action for Arsenal after his injury lay off.
THE LOWDOWN: INJURY-HIT SEASON
Smith Rowe was brilliant for Arsenal last season where he finished as the club’s second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League but he has not been able to build upon those excellent performances due to recurring injuries.
The injuries have kept him out of the team and has barely made a mark in the Gunners’ rise to the summit of the Premier League. He last featured for Arsenal in the defeat at Manchester United before making a return against Oxford United on Monday night.
Those injuries affected his game time, which in turn, affected his chances of going to the 2022 FIFA World Cup with England.
THE LATEST: DELIGHTFUL RETURN
Emile Smith Rowe made his first appearance since September in Arsenal’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Oxford United on Monday night after recovering from groin surgery.
The 22-year-old forward replaced Bukayo Saka in the 75th minute, as the Gunners booked a place in the FA Cup fourth round.
Speaking to the media after the final whistle, Smith Rowe said: “It’s really good to be back on the pitch with my teammates. It’s been difficult being out for this long – I don’t think I’ve had this [long a lay-off] before – but at the same time, we are top of the league and playing really well, so I can’t complain! I am just going to kick on from here.”
Smith Rowe described his lengthy absence from the squad through injury as “tough”, but was quick to appreciate the support he got from the team.
“The whole team was around me. [Arteta] really helped me and obviously, I had my family back home supporting me. So it was really tough, but I managed to get through it and I’m just happy I’m fully fit now.”
The 22-year-old had few regrets about missing the Mundial because the injury came at a time the season was just getting started.
“Obviously, you always want to play for your country. But at the same time, I had to do what was right for my body. I am still young, so I will keep working hard to get more opportunities for the national team. But right now, I just need to focus on Arsenal and getting some more minutes.
THE VERDICT: “NEW SIGNING”
Smith Rowe has made just four substitute appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League. At a time the Gunners have lost a couple of players in the attacking area, he could be a “new signing”, as Mikel Arteta’s men hope to maintain their superb form.
