Arsenal boss Arteta receives major injury boost

Premier League leaders Arsenal are due the return of Emile Smith Rowe in time for their trip to Oxford in the FA Cup third round on Monday night.

The news comes at the perfect time for Mikel Arteta having relied heavily on a core group of players this season, who he will be keen rest ahead of the North London derby.

The England international resumed training before Christmas, exciting many Gunners fans who have been eagerly awaiting his return.

Tuesday night's stalemate draw with Newcastle came too soon, but Monday can't come soon enough for the 22-year-old who hasn't featured for Arsenal since May last year.

The midfielder was forced to undergo surgery back in September following an injury to his groin, but has made a swift recovery.

It remains unclear whether Smith Rowe will be fit enough to start following such a long spell on the sidelines. However, the fixture looks like the perfect opportunity for the 22-year-old to test his fitness as he readjusts to the speed of the Premier League.

Arteta's statement

Mikel Arteta has stressed the importance of not rushing the the midfielder, stating:

"He’s been out for a while now. He needs some time to get back to speed," the Spaniard said last month.

"We really need him and we’re going to welcome him with both arms, because he’s a really important player for us. We need him fit on the pitch," added Arteta.

Smith-Rowe made his breakthrough last season, reaching double goalscoring figures which earned him the iconic number 10 shirt, previously worn by Gunners legend Dennis Bergkamp.

His form also led to a call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad, for whom he scored for in a World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

However, it may prove tricky to break back into the first team this time round, with Arsenal's attacking players currently in red hot form.

As things stand, he would need to push past either Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard or Gabriel Martinelli, all of who have established themselves as regulars under Arteta.

Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Jesus remain out through injury, with the likes of new signing Marquinhos and teenage talent Ethan Nwaneri likely to get the nod.