Mikel Arteta hints ‘exceptional’ Arsenal player could start against Aston Villa

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hinted that Emile Smith Rowe will start for the Gunners at Aston Villa today.

The 21-year-old missed Arsenal’s wins over Wolves and Watford due to covid.

Smith Rowe returned to action against Leicester, coming off the bench.

Arteta also brought him on in the midweek defeat to Liverpool.

Arsenal have the chance to quickly get back to winning ways in the day’s early Premier League kickoff.

The Gunners take on Steven Gerrard’s charges at Villa Park in a game scheduled to start at 12:30pm.

At his pre-match press conference, the media team asked Arteta whether Smith Rowe was fit to start.

“He was fine again,” replied the Arsenal manager.

“He had a little issue before the game, but he’s been fine the past two days.

“So hopefully now he can get some consistency and momentum.”

Arteta has kept faith in the same starting XI for the last four Premier League games.

However, with the quick turnaround in games this week, he could well make some changes to combat fatigue.

Gabriel Martinelli could do with a breather, so Smith Rowe should take over in the XI if the Brazilian got a rest.

The Hale End graduate has been superb this season, his first full campaign in the first team.

“Emile was exceptional,” Arteta said of Smith Rowe following the 2-1 win over Brentford.