Arsenal worry as Aidy Boothroyd makes Emile Smith Rowe claim

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Arsenal have been given reason for concern, with Aidy Boothroyd confirming – in comments reported by the London Evening Standard – that Emile Smith Rowe is very doubtful for England under-21s’ final group game.

The Three Lions are on the brink of exiting the European Championships at the first hurdle. They have suffered defeats in both of their group-stage fixtures.

It is still possible for England to get through. But they require a win over Croatia and for Switzerland to be beaten by Portugal to stand a chance.

It was a 2-0 loss to the latter that left England on the verge of going out. And it was during the game that Boothroyd made a decision that left many supporters feeling baffled.

With the game goalless, Boothroyd took Smith Rowe off for Ebere Eze at half-time. It angered many. But perhaps the thinking behind that decision has just become a little clearer.

Ahead of the Croatia clash, Boothroyd confirmed that the Arsenal starlet is a major doubt for the tie.

“Callum [Hudson-Odoi] is definitely out and he has gone back to his club, Emile Smith-Rowe is also very doubtful,” he said, as reported by the London Evening Standard.

TBR View: Blow for Mikel Arteta if Smith Rowe is out for Gunners

The fact that the door is not completely shut on Smith Rowe – who earns £15,000-a-week, according to the Daily Mail – featuring on Wednesday may be something for Arsenal fans to hold onto.

But with Liverpool ahead on Saturday, Mikel Arteta will be concerned. They also have their Europa League quarter-final tie with Slavia Prague next week.

To not have Smith Rowe for any of those games would be a huge blow.