Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has cleared the air on his true feelings about missing the Gunners’ title charge so far.
THE LOWDOWN: INJURY STRUGGLES
After enjoying a decent 2021/22 campaign with the Gunners, Smith Rowe has been unable to build up on those performances in the current campaign.
The youngster, who finished as Arsenal’s second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League last season has battled niggling injuries for most of this campaign. Those injuries have cost him regular game time, which in turn, affected his chances of going to the 2022 FIFA World Cup with England.
Smith Rowe has been limited to only four Premier League games this season, playing a total of 47 minutes in those games. A groin injury has kept him out of action and his recovery from the surgery has been slow.
THE LATEST: HONEST ADMISSION
Speaking to Sky Sports about the season so far, Smith Rowe said: “It’s going really well at the moment. I’m really happy for the team but sometimes it’s annoying when I can’t feel like I’m involved, I can’t be on the pitch with my team-mates.
“It’s amazing to see them doing so well and I can’t wait to get back.”
Smith Rowe was also asked about his recovery and when he will be back on the pitch. “Hopefully by the first game back after the World Cup.
“I’m actually out here [in the United Arab Emirates] doing rehab. Today was my day off, I’m back training tomorrow. I’m back on the pitch and stuff so it’s going well.
“I’m sure when the boys come back we’ll get kicking straight after,” Smith Rowe added.
“It’s looking good but we’re all excited for the World Cup. I can’t wait to get back after.
“I’m really confident in the [England] team, obviously we missed out at the last minute in the last big tournament. I believe the boys are going to bring it home this time. The squad is really strong, it’s looking good.”
THE VERDICT WELCOME RETURN
Smith Rowe is now expected to return to the Gunners’ squad in the boxing day fixture against West Ham at the Emirates. However, the attacker has a lot of work to do in order to make it back to Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup.