Mikel Arteta says Emile Smith Rowe has returned to Arsenal training

By Shamanth Jayaram

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faced the media after his side battered Lyon in the Dubai Super Cup, and the Spaniard issued an update on Emile Smith Rowe‘s injury.

The Englishman has barely played for Arsenal this season due to a groin issue. He had to undergo surgery back in September and has been sidelined ever since. Now, there’s some good news for Gunners supporters.

Mikel Arteta says Emile Smith Rowe has returned to Arsenal training

Arsenal were a level above Lyon today in their opening game of the Dubai Super Cup.

Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira helped the Gunners pick up a convincing victory, but Arteta’s response to questions about his two injured players in his post-match press conference is what caught everyone’s eye.

After being asked about Gabriel Jesus’ injury, the Arsenal boss was quizzed about Smith Rowe and if he’s set to return to action anytime soon.

Arteta shared some amazing news for Arsenal supporters.

“With Emile, he has returned to training,” Arteta said, as quoted by Arsenal.com.

“He’s in that process after we rehab, after a period where he had some real discomfort. So we are giving him time – he’s getting closer and closer. So hopefully in the next few weeks, we’ll be able to see him.

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Smith Rowe’s return would be a massive boost for Arsenal.

The Englishman was one of the Gunners’ best players last season, but since the start of this campaign, he has played just 47 minutes of football in all competitions.

That really is a shame, but Arteta’s words suggest that it’s only a matter of time before Smith Rowe is back in action, and that should give the Gunners a huge boost ahead of the second half of the season.

Arsenal take on West Ham United on Boxing Day and it will be interesting to see if Smith Rowe will be available for that game.