Mikel Arteta delivers injury update on Emile Smith-Rowe, as Arsenal face Southampton

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Mikel Arteta has told his Friday press conference that Emile Smith-Rowe trained on Friday ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Southampton on Saturday afternoon – providing an update on his availability.

Smith-Rowe, 21, has been in sensational form this season – having a hand in seven goals during 14 Premier League appearances. Scoring five times, he has also laid on two assists for the Gunners.

The Hale End academy product looks more selfish, willing to take a shot – buoyed on by plenty of confidence. He was a big miss against Everton, with the Gunners struggling to show any kind of creativity.

But ahead of Saturday’s trip to Southampton, Arsenal and Arteta could be about to welcome back England international Smith-Rowe. The playmaker trained on Friday ahead of the trip to the south coast.

“Emile has trained today and he was feeling much better after losing him for the last game. Hopefully he will be available for the game,” Arteta told his press conference, ahead of the Southampton game.

Arteta on Smith-Rowe: Massive Arsenal boost, Smith-Rowe crucial

Is the Englishman now Arsenal’s most-important player? Well, without him, Arsenal were incredibly poor against Everton. They need the midfielder to start on Saturday if they are to beat Southampton.

He is the man that knits everything together. The man that conducts the orchestra, combining the likes of Thomas Partey with Bukayo Saka, Saka with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and more.

Both in an attacking sense, but also defensively too – he helps Arsenal keep the ball, increasing possession. Smith-Rowe’s return is absolutely crucial for the Gunners.